A must visit, but be ready. This is a true vintage diner car. You have to sit in a tight booth or at the counter. This is awesome for the ambience but not if you are larger person (I am not but my companion was.) also they only take cash. Now -- that said, step back into an earlier time when you come in here. It's one of the oldest diners in the country -- maybe the oldest? -- and you'll truly feel like you're in a movie. I recommend a weekday morning since it's a touristy thing! I had eggs over easy and sausage. Delicious and timeless. Fun! read more

I've known about some at diner for the longest time, but finally had the chance to swing by for brunch! The diner is inside a classic boxcar and not much has changed since opening - which is the way it should stay. The service was great and everyone was friendly and accommodating. We arrived around 12 PM on a Sunday and waited about 10 minutes for a table. They don't have high pairs but they have booster seats that worked just as well. We ordered Taylor, ham, egg, and cheese on a roll, two pancakes with scrambled eggs, and the front toast plate that came with eggs and sausage. Taylor ham, egg and cheese on a roll was standard and good. The French toast was tasty. The pancakes were very, very good. Definitely order these! The diner is no-frills. It's classic food served the original way. It really feels like an authentic New Jersey establishment and I love that it hasn't changed. read more

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Just went Sunday, hours before a snowstorm as I expected this might be the only weekend day we wouldn't have to wait much. We called ahead, they told us 10 minutes and by the. time we got there within that time, our table was ready. -menu: QR code to menu provided at the table. The online menu is very basic/bare. It does not have any prices nor descriptions of items. -food: got the grilled chicken deluxe (when I asked deluxe means comes w fries, pickle and small cole slaw vs just being the sandwich. Size was decent, chicken was well cooked, amount of fries were okay. Philly cheesesteak- decent size, juicy meat, soft bread. Overall, would recommend. Of note: cash only read more

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Summit Diner is an old-school gem with deep roots in the community and a lot of character. You really feel the history when you walk in, and the vibe alone makes it worth visiting at least once. The staff is friendly and welcoming, and there's definitely something special about the nostalgia of the place. That said, the food wasn't really my favorite. The hashbrowns were under-seasoned- lacking basic salt and pepper. My egg whites were also undercooked, which was disappointing. My daughter did enjoy her French toast, and I appreciated that they offer simple breakfast staples, but the little jam packets were the low-quality kind with corn syrup. She did mention that she got an onion in her French toast, I am not sure how that happened, but I guess it didn't put her off. All in all, for what it is, it's okay. I come more for the experience than the food. I wouldn't make this a regular spot based on the food quality alone. I'd love to see them elevate the menu with higher quality ingredients--real maple syrup, better jam, better bread for their breakfast sandwiches, etc. read more

Summit Diner - French toast - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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I absolutely love this tiny train car diner and wish I lived closer. I visited for the first time with my dad on a busy Saturday morning. We were seated at the counter which I didn't mind and actually really enjoyed seeing all of the action behind the counter. The service is very speedy and food moves very quick. We both had the corned beef hash with eggs which was delicious and super filling. Prices are super cheap (cash only). This is a must visit if you are in the area!! read more

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The Summit Diner has always been rated as one of NJ's best classic diners. I've wanted to get there for a long time, and today on my way home from Newark Airport, my wife and I stopped in for breakfast. I wondered if we'd have a wait on a Saturday morning, but there were plenty of seats open at the counter. Sitting at the counter is like the front seat of a show, watching the cooks in front of you. Our food was delicious! We each had eggs over easy, mine with bacon. Fun watching our orders cooked as we watched. Everyone was very friendly. The ambiance here is amazing! Glad we finally got here! read more

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A classic. If you live in the area, you most likely have been here and it might feel nostalgic for you. I've been here a few times now (used to live in the area) and came back after a long time. This place doesn't change. Service is always quick. Nothing tastes extraordinary, but it's what you expect and hits the spot. Nice to come here before getting on the train. I gotta say though- the coffee is WEAK. Just tastes like dirty hot water. No coffee flavor. read more

Summit Diner - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

When someone asks what a classic diner looks like, this is the place you can point out. It is tiny, cramped, and has all the feel of a classic NJ diner - waitstaff are brusque but not unkind, they just don't have time to hold your hand as they're busy and two of them (married couple?) almost got into a fight over serving water twice to a guy that sat beside me at the counter (he said why didn't she give him water and puts one down, she points out she did, etc.). Seats here are very small - designed for a different era, so if you are big, you'll need to sit 2 to a booth or at the counter. Menu at the top board, somewhat hard to see but you get the point on most items as it's simple. A kitchen that extends into the back, small bathrooms past a door. Two eggs, ham, comes with potatoes and toast with butter. Ham was a bit piecemeal and salty but that was a nice change of pace from the round fake cuts you normally get. The disco fries come with a healthy heap of gravy and cheese. The hot roast beef sandwich looks great, too, didn't get one to go but will come back later for it. Heavy? Yup. Diner to the core and while not terribly comfortable, it was homey and classic - I can see why people like it. Cash only. And they were out of desserts when it came to the end of the meal. No Apple or Orange Pie?? Devastating. It gets 3 stars because it's a quintessential diner experience for decor and food, but I have definitely had better service and food elsewhere at other diners. read more

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Amazing it's the attention to detail on 'the little things' that makes the difference. Although an old aged train car with its original diner ambiance , the sunny side eggs over HM corned beef hash and perfectly cooked home fries, and toasted rye bread . Amazing! A great local favorite restaurant for the Summit folks. read more

Summit Diner - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

I have eaten breakfast several times at the Summit Diner and it's good. I don't say that to knock it. I mean it's an experience, right? It's a real railroad car and it's right by real railroad tracks? So right there it's fun. You're eating food in train car that isn't going anywhere. And if you're like me and you commute on NJ Transit you're probably thinking not only is that not enjoyable, it's not even that uncommon. I get that. NJ Transit is the worst. They suck. And they got this big pay raise and has anything improved in the slightest? No. But this is the opposite. This is an authentic New Jersey diner experience. I like to sit at the counter and watch them make breakfast. Bunch of guys man a big flat top making eggs and potatoes. You sit at the counter and they keep your coffee topped off. Very fast service. And classic bacon and eggs a potatoes. Wheat toast. All very well prepared. Maybe for you it's a 5 star experience as it is everything you would want from this type of place. I guess for me 5 star means I can't wait to go back. And it was good and it's local and I have been back. But nothing made me think wow I have to have that again. Or wow I want to try a bunch of other stuff. Maybe that's me. If you think that bit about the NJ Transit was funny you might like my book it's discussed more extensively in the about me part of this site. Give me 4 stars if it doesn't knock your socks off. But it will. It's great. read more

Such a cool spot. Comfy, quaint aesthetic. I sat up at the bar and had an order of corned beef hash and over medium eggs ($12). The man behind the bar was everything you want in a diner host; jovial, accommodating, friendly. The hash was perfectly cooked with crispy edges, and somehow came out in under 5 minutes. This is the perfect place to visit for a quick, no frills, tasty meal any time of day. read more

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The patina here has been earned since the 1930's so no restaurant consultants or food snobbers need apply. This railcar gem is the real deal. Tiny and claustrophobic, you'll enjoy every bite of your eggs, bacon and toast. Summit is the very definition of a New Jersey Diner. Five authentic stars. read more

Summit Diner offers quick and hospitable service, making it a reliable spot for a fast meal. The staff is welcoming and attentive, creating a comfortable atmosphere. The food is decent -- simple and satisfying -- perfect for a quick bite without compromising on friendly service. Make sure to bring cash - they only accept cash as a form of payment. read more

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It's a perfect old school NJ diner. This is the simple menu. No frills. The inside is perfect. Looks like 1960s never left. Service is fast efficient and extremely good. Food is good. Nothing amazing but it hits the right notes. We had a short wait on a Sunday mid morning. Got home fries, French toast, bacon and a Taylor ham egg and cheese sandwich we split. All done right. read more

The food, atmosphere, and service are amazing here. Plus, it's quite affordable. Make sure to check this place out whenever you're in the area if you don't want to miss out! read more

Summit Diner - Cash register - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

Cash only!! I think this may be my new fav NJ diner! Such a charming ambiance, kind service and DELICIOUS food. I loved the soft and fluffy texture of the spinach and feta omelette and the hash browns were great. So excited to come back and try the pancakes x read more

Summit Diner - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

This small gem is the #1 diner for a reason. This diner brings a nostalgic and comforting feeling while you stuff your face with breakfast. I came on a Sunday morning around. 10AM and waited approximately 15ish minutes to be seated at the counter (it was 5 of us). In less than 5 minutes, order were taken. Plates are constantly being rushed off the grill, it's so fascinating to watch this team swiftly work together in such a narrow space. Food was absolutely delicious and made perfectly. The staff interacted with us occasionally and assured smiles on our faces any chance taken! read more

Summit Diner - 2 eggs over easy, home fries, bacon, french fries, orange juice - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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Good ambience. Service was nice and attentive. Food was okay but could've been better. Didn't like that it was cash only. read more

Summit Diner - Had the crab cake Benedict. It looks delicious but it was so so. Crab cake was made of Surimi (fake crab meat). - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

This was a very small, classic diner with the menu on the walls. There were five or six tables as well a bunch of counter seats. The service was friendly while the food came out very quickly. They also only accepted cash. I had two dishes here, three pancakes with sausage and a Western omelet. The omelet also contained home fries. The chef also gave additional home fries to us, which was nice to see. They were crispy with just enough flavor. The pancakes were large while being very flavorful and light. The sausage were two thick links, and they were cooked appropriately. The omelet was great, plenty of each topping especially the cheese so it did not dry out. It was an all-around fulfilling and hearty meal. Will I go back? Easily. read more

Summit Diner - Pancakes & Sausage - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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Classic greasy spoon diner. It's got simple comfort food. Local parking is a problem and they are cash only.

So, I saw this Instigram post of the "Top 5 New Jersey Diners" and Summit Diner was number 1. The reviewer commented that it has been #1 several years in a row, so naturally I had to try it out. So glad I did. It's a small "old school" building of the '40's style diner. Wood paneling. Maybe a dozen booths or so. A persistent line to get in. But well worth the wait. This being my first time here, I felt compelled to get my standard diner breakfast: 2 eggs over medium, hash browns, bacon-medium well done, rye toast. Simply stated: Perfect. I'm already planning on going back to try more of their classic platters. read more

Summit Diner - The Perfect Diner Coffee - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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My grandfather was Greek - sailed the sea from Piraeus to Ellis Island to become the Banana King of New Jersey around the time of the Depression. I booked 10 days in Crete some years ago. Now at that time, as now, I lived up the street from the Summit Diner. I began stopping by and trying to practice my freshly learned Greek as a friendly lark. I stopped going. Quickly. So now it's a Sunday morning in October not long after 6:30 am. It's still dark, dreary, dirty and dingy. It had maybe five people in it, including for a brief stop by, a Summit Police officer. Them, I like. Vastly unappreciated. So I take a seat at the Summit Diner in one of the dirty booths. Racking my brain: why did I stop coming here years ago? Well it didn't take long to be reminded. As I unstuck my unsuspecting forearms from the sticky table, I tried moving the table a pinch for room. Bolted to the floor. Then the stench of fresh cigarette smoke struck me - didn't see anyone smoking so it was probably in back. You have to be kidding me. Cash only - forgot that. Always sketchy. And apparently they fired all their waitresses to save more money along with the money "saved" in a cash only business and now you have to scan a QR code for the menu. So there I sat. Finally one of the guys behind the counter snarled "where's the rest of your party?" Instantly memories came flooding back: the nasty, confrontational attitude; the surely disregard and so on. Then I realized that I had in fact heard him right the first time when I sat down. It was such an odd question at shortly after 6:30 am in an empty Sunday morning town. I thought I hadn't heard him right. But I did. He was aggravated I violated a rule that appears nowhere in writing or common courtesy and common sense. Earlier after I walked in, as soon as I sat down out of the corner of my eye I saw him walk past and then out of sight behind the section behind me. I thought I heard a snarling impatient "where's the rest of your party!?" Now I was confronted again. Are you kidding me? A brief exchange transpired and I walked out never to return. Why was I aggravated when I subconsciously knew I'd experienced something disappointing or worse? We hope things change. They don't. The place is actually dirtier than I recall but the abusive, arrogant nonsense apparently hasn't been lessened by time. Perhaps it's worse. For a review of the far more pleasant diner steps away in the same town, check my reviews. Complete opposite. read more

Best place to be for comfort food with generous portions . Our server was warm , welcoming and fabulous . very unique ambience at this diner you'll need to try it out for yourself ... highly recommended ! Five stars all the way ! read more

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Was looking for lunch in the area, and decided to try out this Diner. Its a cool old school small place. Felt like it was from the 50s. Its a very limited menu consisting of fairly basic options. Ordered a taylor ham egg cheese sandwich, which was satisfying. Prices are really reasonable. Metered Street parking only. read more

Summit Diner - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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This was tough. We need a place for lunch, love diners and this popped up near us. After a short wait for a table, a short wait for the waitress to come over, we ordered some real diner food, it came quickly and was delish, the waitress checked on us and was funny and engaging. We done pretty much and the waitress came over and filled a coffee on the table. We paid the bill, but one of us still was drinking her coffee that was just poured, and someone comes over tells us "he needs the table". Completely ruined our first and last visit. read more

Classic original NJ diner. They've definitely changed their menu to keep up with demands. My egg white omelette was fantastic as were the well done potatoes. Pancakes were perfect. And the Taylor ham, egg and cheese was classic. Service was friendly and the atmosphere was nostalgic. read more

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One of those legendary railcar diners that can only fit a small number of customers at a time. The food comes out quick and service is friendly. Stick with the omelletes and other short order items. Can't go wrong. It is cash only which I didn't realize but all good. Check this place out. read more

Summit Diner - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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My husband and I stopped in for breakfast. A diner inside a railcar. Very cool! We both had two eggs over corned beef hash, home fries and toast. The coffee was steaming hot. This was the best hash and home fries I ever had. They were cooked perfectly and crispy . The food came out quick and the service is friendly. It is cash only. If you have not tried this place it is worth the trip! read more

Summit Diner - Two eggs over corned beef hash and home fries. - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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Ate there back in the 90's. Had breakfast. Ham and Eggs over. The ham was right off the BONE! Never had it that way. Excellant!

I can see why it is one of the best rated diners in NJ. The food meets the stereotype and the price was extremely reasonable. Only thing, they take cash for payment. I have seen lines go out the door on weekends so I made sure to go on a weekday in the mid afternoon, post lunch rush. The ambiance and notable diner-esque feel is what one really goes for. You have the booths and the stools and the loud chatty line cooks. The smell is of grease and burnt coffee, but have no fear, everything tastes great. They keep it clean too. I would definitely go back. read more

I have visited Summit Diner several times since my original review. It is not exactly close to me, so I generally have to make a special trip but you know what? It's totally worth it. As neighborhoods change and attempt to recover from the pandemic, it is great to see certain businesses still remain as they have for decades! Summit Diner is one of them. This Old Skool train car diner sits on a corner and looks like something out of a movie. It is a bit worn but that is part of its beauty and I love dining inside. On my most recent visit I sat at the counter right behind the grille. I confess part of the fun of my visit was just watching the chef cook at the grille the entire time I was there. A giant, neatly organized pile of hash browns, perfectly cooked breakfast sausages waiting to be served and order after order of Taylor Ham sandwiches and Pancakes went flying across the counter in the half hour I was there. During my most recent visit I decided to forgo my usual omelette and instead got two eggs over easy, hash browns, breakfast sausages and rye toast with a coffee. Everything was perfect. The eggs were perfectly cooked so the yolk was warm but runny (perfect on toast!). The hash browns had a nice, brown crust layer on top and the breakfast sausages had a perfect "snap" to them as you bit into them. The toast was browned and buttered perfectly. That may sound like an odd thing to point out, but I will tell you there are many times I have gotten toast at diners and you can barely tell it was toasted and the butter is barely melted. Not so here, the meal was perfect! Service is excellent with a lot of the customers already familiar with the staff. I heard many customers being greeted by first name and some friendly banter about topics like work and family. It really added to the comfortable ambience of the diner. I love Summit Diner and highly recommend it to anyone who wants a good meal in a classic environment! read more

we got the biscuits & gravy, and the crab cake benedict. food was delicious!! super busy spot, definitely had the classic OG diner feels. worth the wait i'd say! read more

Summit Diner - biscuits & gravy - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

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Jersey is the diner capital and Summit Diner is one of the OGs. This place has everything you want in a diner. Their breakfast is probably what you will come here for. Their most popular item is their breakfast sandwiches - the pork roll (Taylor ham) egg and cheese in particular. However their pancakes are tasty and take up the whole plate. And just in regular diner fashion, they have lunch and dinner items and the coffee always flows. The place itself is old school, a very cool reminder of what places used to look like. They have a couple of booths and counter seats. Worth coming here for that alone. Come early though, I've seen it get packed fast. If you only had 1-2 diners to check out in New Jersey, Summit diner makes a strong contention to being on that list. read more

Summit Diner - Pork roll egg and cheese with coffee - Diners Near Me - Summit, New Jersey

I've lived in Summit within walking distance of this diner for 28 years. Every so often I give it another chance but today I'm done. I walked in, no one acknowledged me, I sat down in a small booth. There were maybe 4 parties in the entire diner. 2 singles at the counter and 2 in booths. All men. Another man walked in and sat at the counter. Both the cook and a waitress offered him coffee and took his order and chatted with him. They finally asked how many in my party - I said "just me." The cook/owner said "well ok we will serve you there but if it gets busy I'll have to move you." I replied "no worries, I'll move myself" and left the diner laughing at the ridiculous misogyny of this antiquated sub-par diner living off a few favorable reviews because of its longevity. Needless to say - I do not recommend. Boys club for locals with greasy food. Walked down to Gregory's and was served immediately and with a smile. Have a nice day. read more

This place is awesome. The ambiance is cool, like you're in a train car. It's very tiny, but the food is good and the prices are fair. The food came out quickly and we left satisfied. The service was quick, too. It is cash only, though. read more

Great weekend brunch and local spot out in Summit. We were visiting a few friends in the area that suggested that we stop by for brunch, and it was completely worth it. Here's what you need to know: 1. Cash only, but there's a Chase across the street if that happens to be your bank. 2. Amazing portion size and pricing (perhaps some of us are too familiar with the NYC prices) 3. Limited seating indoors and outdoors but the tables move pretty quickly 4. Pretty quick service. If you want to be in and out, that's totally possible. 5. In the center of the downtown area, so there are a few things to do to walk off the post-brunch coma. Totally worth a visit if you're out in Summit or passing by and need a snack. read more

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Decided to try this town staple and honestly, I couldn't tell you about the food or service outside of what I would assume is the owner running the cash register. I walk inside to ask the wait for table of two and he asks me if I'm on a line outside - I look outside and it's a group of friends waiting for a table, that's it. No signage, no line, nothing. I turn to him with a baffled face and he states, "That'll be a good place to start." Excuse me? So, if you're in the mood to be treated horribly and spoken to like you're a child by the man running the cash register, make your way here and in response to the prick, conduct yourself with a little more respect, "That would be a good place to start." Oh, and bring cash - seems like they're in the evading credit card fees stage. Ouch. read more

a cute little town deserves a quaint throwback diner. This is it. Want chicken salad? got it? club? yes! bacon? of course. Fries? Hell yeah! Taste? wonderful! Service? Smiles, smiles, smiles! Price? Inexpensive compared to others and portions huge! Fun? Yass!!!!! Return? We will!!!! read more

This Old School diner is my New favorite. I live in Montclair, but it's well worth the 24 minute trek to Summit to grab a stool and be transported back to a better time. The owner is working the grill when he isn't working the room, and this chap slings some wicked good corned beef hash. The coffee is fresh, and so is the conversation. On my two visits I've seen the regulars come & go, shared some chit chat, and even shared a few perfectly cooked hash browns. I've only tried the savory thus far, but plan on visiting again soon to give the fluffy looking pancakes a shot. This converted train car is definitely a throwback, and is absolutely a stop well worth making. All aboard! read more

Crazy busy and very hectic diner which is just a sign that it's good. The cook who served us was a man a few words but was so busy cooking, too. We got our order of BLT & an omelette rather quickly and it was good. Nothing exceptional but good diner food. It was quite crowded, waitresses running in & out and lots of chaos but yet again a very busy diner in town so that is expected although if you want a calmer, quieter meal then this is not your place. read more

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