OMG! Somebody call Guy Fieri, this diner is small but mighty. You might miss it, on the opposite end of a strip mall from a 7-11, and that would be a shame. You don't want to miss the funky and eclectic offerings and "if you're here you're family" atmosphere. Our first visit was for a late breakfast at about 11am on a rainy Sunday of a holiday weekend, so it wasn't surprising that the was a short wait. When the hostess said 20-30 minutes someone else in line immediately responded "it's worth the wait" and I agree. I had the The Waffle Slamwich "alternating layers of bacon, sausage, pork roll, egg & cheese between Belgian waffles with bourbon butter maple syrup." I ordered has browns because I saw an order come out and they looked really good. They were, but we're also unnecessary. The Slamwich was more than enough and I'm a big eater. My wife had French toast and a side of bacon. The portion was also generous but she ate it all som it must have been good. I forgot to ask because I was so busy enjoying the many flavors of my meal. The sweetness of the waffle and syrup perfectly offsetting the salty breakfast meats. Coffe was good, too, and obviously fresh. And my cup was 'magically' refilled every time I set it down. We're planning a trip back for lunch...but not today...still full. Guy says "if it's funky I'll find it" but do yourself a favor and find Lacy Diner first, before word gets around, or you might not get a seat. read more

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My boyfriend and I came here for the first time today, and by the end of our meal we both agreed--this is our new go-to breakfast spot! From the moment we walked in, the counter staff greeted us warmly and let us pick our seats. The diner itself is charming, decorated with a fun I Love Lucy theme that gives it a cozy, nostalgic vibe. The menu has all the diner classics you'd hope for, plus some creative twists (fried PB&J, anyone?). They also offer a rotating specials menu, which keeps things exciting. I ordered the coffee flight, funnel cake French toast, home fries, and bacon. The coffee flight alone was worth the trip--delicious flavors, beautifully presented, and only $8.99. The funnel cake French toast was light, airy, and cooked to perfection--it really felt like I was eating a funnel cake for breakfast. My boyfriend went for the country fried chicken with gravy and biscuits, and it was equally delicious. Throughout our visit, the staff checked in often and made us feel like family. We noticed they seemed to know every regular by name, and there were plenty coming in during the short time we were there--a sure sign of a beloved local spot. We'll absolutely be back, and we highly recommend The Lacey Diner to anyone in the area looking for a great breakfast experience! read more

The Lacey Diner - Coffee Flight - Diners Near Me - Forked River, New Jersey

The LACEY diner has outstanding food and very calm atmosphere and polite prompt service. SEMPER.Fi! God bless the United States Marine Corps ! Alan Alswang was 5 stars read more

Friendly. Good service, decent food but a bit salty. Good job with standard breakfast food.

Totally awesome banana bread French toast, topped with wet walnuts bananas Foster and whipped cream!!!!!!! read more

The Lacey Diner - Another amazing breakfast special at the Lacey Diner. "Nutty by Nature" - Diners Near Me - Forked River, New Jersey

Food was HORRIBLE, and the bathroom was even worse than the food, I've heard they updated the bathroom, I hope they keep this one clean. Putting earrings on a pig doesn't change the fact that it's a pig. Describing this place as Nasty would be doing this place a favor. Hard to eat due to the flies. I had three meals there due to an all inclusive hunting trip booked on the owners property, which was worse than the food at this place. All three meals were not even mediocre. In fact mediocre would have been welcomed after the meals I experienced there. Would not recommend!!!! Avoid this place at all cost!!!!! read more

Breakfast was excellent today and the staff is so pleasant and efficient! clean with great music!!! I'd recommend this diner to all!. Nancy & John read more

What a great little tucked away spot! My dad and I always do breakfast after his doctor appointments. Dad is an amazing 95 years old but totally set in his ways when it comes to food. So I remembered this little place my husband used to frequent when he lived in Forked River so I thought we would stop for a change from the same old places. What an absolutely pleasant surprise. Dad is really hard to impress and he was so thrilled with his breakfast he declared that this is our new place. He loved his breakfast potatoes and said as much. Trust me this is HUGE. My veggie omelet was the best I have had in YEARS. The quality of the food was totally there. With the economy in a shambles and the crazy increase of prices, i am happy to report that the prices are WAY LOWER than some of the bigger local diners in the area who's prices have become absurd. But... hey I get it... Hows that bidenomics workin for ya. I digress. On to the service.... Wow. We showed up at a lull right before lunch. We were welcomed like family right down to the witty repartee. So sweet, so refreshing and so unpretentious. It was Colins birthday so they were having cake and singing Happy Birthday. Dad and I joined in and then we each got a piece of delicious cake! I think they hit on something.... Having dessert with breakfast! Lol... how can you go wrong?! After we ate the owner, John, came over and we had a wonderful chat. Again, so refreshing and welcoming. As we were leaving, feeling like a new member of the Lacey Diner extended family, dad announced that he really likes this place and he wants to come back soon. Believe me... thats the equivalent of 10 Michelin stars...which yea I know doesn't exist. Don't take my word for it... but definitely take my dad's word.... He's not big on compliments and doesn't impress very easily at 95 years old!!! Thanks Lacey Diner! Great job everyone. read more

The breakfast and lunch are without a doubt the best in Lacey. The owners are exceptionally nice to everyone.

When Billy owned this place the food was so much better. Less expensive, the eggs are always overcooked. This new cook has no idea how to cook eggs. If you look at the pictures they are overcooked and dry. The new owner thinks he's operating a 5star restaurant by the prices he is charging. They lost a frequent customer and created bad rep for the diner. I won't be back and I talk all the time. Sell the business to someone who knows what they're doing. What a shame. read more

Never in my life have I had an omelet overcooked and undercooked at the same time. Over done on the outside and runny inside. Coffee was BAD, even for diner coffee. The staff was friendly and quick, but the food doesn't match the service. read more

Dorthy, we're not in Kansas any more!!! While I may have high expectations having been raised in Bergen county, this place falls below the already low bar I've set. Think camo hats, men in cut off tees, and bad hair color jobs. We arrived and stood at the door for a few, before a waitress shouted from behind the bar, "there's a booth open, girls." Mind you, we've never been here. We knew there was a booth open- we just weren't sure if we could seat ourselves, or needed to wait for staff. My wife ordered an egg sandwich, with her eggs over-medium, and they came very runny. My meal on the other hand was great. While prices are reasonable, considering the conditions, they do charge $.50 per egg white, where as most places are a flat $1.00 up-charge. The one thing I do appreciate is that everything cooked upon a flattop griddle can be seen from your table. So at least you can eat in comfort knowing there's no foul play in the kitchen. This diner is in a small strip mall beside a pharmacy, and 7/11, and reeks of grease upon entering! I can safely say I will NEVER be returning here, not because of the quality of food, but because of the inside conditions. The white ceiling tiles are filthy, vents appear to be dusty, the paneling on the walls buckling. CASH ONLY! read more

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It's a great exit strategy, leave the hotels in A.C., and drive north to Lacey's for the best breakfast you've ever had. I came here after a weekend in A.C. and so glad to find the Lacey Diner on Yelp. It had such excellent omelet combinations that it was hard to choose but I'm a sucker for chicken fried steak and eggs, however it's usually hit or miss, but the payoff came when I ordered it at Lacey's. This is the high water mark for CFS. the sausagr gravy and eggs over easy were picture and palate perfect the CFS battered to perfection, and the homefries were unparalleled. They even gave me extra on my egg plate (no need to separate for me though, this breakfast is best when stacked). I would drive the 100 miles from Bloomfield just for this breakfast, but I'm lucky enough to have the amazing king of all diner breakfasts 'the Greeks' in nearby Kearney. read more

The food was great. We were there for breakfast! The service was awesome too..from being told to sit anywhere and not waiting , the waitress gave us a few minutes to place our order and also the manager, possible owner came over by us to chat . We didn't notice it was cash only but was willing to help us out. read more

This is the worst little tucked away shathole in NJ over priced old food air headed waitresses and a cook from Mongolian school.eating here will leave you dissatisfied they don't even except credit cards.me and my girl ate there today they served her potatoes that were made at breakfast we dinned at 1pm ,the fiod is sitting inside me like a lump of garbage .it would do the community a great service to shut down. Whom ever likes there food doesn't have any taste buds! Eat at your own Risk. read more

cash only. I ordered from here for my lunch, drove there, and found out it was cash only. they told me there's an atm in 7-11. $3.50 fee to use the atm. I cannot even put into words how aggravating this entire experience was. I didn't even get my food. I got a buttered roll and an energy drink from 7-11 where I was able to use my card. i refuse to support a business that isn't properly reporting their earnings or paying taxes read more

Great food, friendly atmosphere.. small town diner vibes! Oh and not expensive either!!!

The food is excellent. Classic diner food. Our server was very friendly on the afternoon of February 21. Having said that, they don't accept credit cards, which is absurd in 2021, but the real reason for the 2 star review is the staff. The cook was not wearing a mask, talking to some people at the counter, having a loud conversation about their support for Donald Trump. I heard one patron say, "I want to kick Nancy Pelosi's ass." The cook, again with no mask on, goes on about his support for Trump. I do not care who you voted for. And I don't want to hear about it while eating lunch. Talking politics at work is a no-no, no matter who you support, but it's especially bad given the violence at the Capitol just a few weeks prior. Also -- it's a pandemic. Put on a mask. Unless you want to hear the staff ramble on about their love of Donald Trump, eat elsewhere. read more

We LOVE Lacey diner ! The staff is great, food is great, place is so cute! We moved to Forked river a few months ago and if we're going out for breakfast, this is our go to! read more

If you're looking for a breakfast spot, this is your place. Plenty of food options and taste great. One of our local breakfast places to go and have not been let down. Plenty of parking and bring cash. Cards not accepted. read more

The Lacey Diner - Yankee butcher - Diners Near Me - Forked River, New Jersey

My wife and I ate here on a recent stay at my Father-in-Laws. Sandwiches are very tasty and good size. Will definitely eat here again.

It's a great breakfast spot! Just think if you want soup it's salty and sandwiches you can get anywhere. The dinners are good as well big portions! read more

Stopped in for breakfast on the way to AC this morning and we were pleasantly surprised. Its always a gamble when you try a new place in a town that you are unfamiliar with. Well we hit the jackpot. Its so hard 5l find a place that makes omelettes right, the omelettes had the right amount of cheese, veggies and meat, and the ingredients were through out the entire omelette. The sausage gravy we added to our potatoes was excellant and well. Nothing beats Jersey diner ! read more

Great local diner! Small. quaint, homey... all appropriate words. A true local spot in a small southern NJ town. Great breakfast specials, staff is very attentive. Would definitely return. read more

For a little diner it's a 5 star! Friendly staff, quick service, great prices and delicious food. Can't ask for better than that! I'm coming back ! read more

The Lacey Diner - Chicken fried steak with gravy and crispy home fries. Yummmm!!! - Diners Near Me - Forked River, New Jersey

This is a locals diner. Is it a five-star restaurant? No, but the service is excellent, and it serves everything a stereotypical diner would serve. It's a small restaurant that serves about 20-30 people. When we went around noon, it wasn't crowded. The waitress was extremely friendly. The coffee was brewed hot and one of the better diner coffees I've had. I decided to order the Greek omelet which was large and filled up with plenty of spinach, cheese and tomatoes. It came with homefries and toast. While they over buttered the toast, it was still good. I do wish they had more menu options though. It's a good stop if you're heading down the shore and I would come back. You won't find anything healthy here but it is a good stop. read more

We enjoyed this spot! Nothing fancy just a casual local spot for some good food. You won't find trendy but you'll find some really good home fries read more

I stopped in to Lacey diner to grab a quick sandwich while I was working in the area this morning. As I'm sitting there waiting for my sandwich and talking with the women at the counter, I noticed the guy making my sandwich repeatedly rubbing his bare hands on his pants, touching the counter reaching into tomatoes and lettuce then handling my food with the same filthy hands. No masks. Lesson learned. Won't ever come here again. read more

Really good breakfast spot. We stopped in about mid morning and it wasn't crowded. The place looks mobbed on weekends and rush times. It's a nice, small, strip mall diner that has a counter area and tables. Very clean and cash only. I got the Bomber Omelette which was filled with cheese, bacon, pork roll and sausage. It came with potatoes and toast, juice and a good cup of coffee. The food was delicious and filling. Very nice place to grab a good breakfast. read more

Found this place thanks to Yelp so I wanted to post a review so others could find this gem. We're just visiting the area for the weekend. This was an awesome breakfast! We sat at the counter, I had the western omelet and a slice of French toast and my husband had eggs Benedict and a blueberry pancake. We practically licked our plates. And the service was super friendly! High recommendation. read more

Local hangout with great diner food. Staff is wonderful and remembers your name. Cash only though.

Wonderful place - stopped here for breakfast on the way back from a trip. Delicious food and awesome service at a great price! Scrambled eggs and bacon for me and light fluffy French toast and scrapple for my husband. A must do breakfast place in Forked River! read more

I have never been disappointed. The place is a little run down, but who cares when the food and service are so top notch. Friendly, polite and engaging wait staff and the club sandwiches are stellar. Why go to one of those new big-burger joints when you can go the the Lacey Diner for their superb burger platter? My mother waited tables in more than one diner, so I know what good service is. Their service and food are aces. read more

Wonderful little diner! Such a friendly staff and the food was cooked perfectly!! I am glad I stopped by on my drive home from the shore! read more

The Lacey Diner - Specials menu - Diners Near Me - Forked River, New Jersey

Awesome breakfast spot even though I've only been there a handful of times. I'm glad they started delivering due to Covid.

My mom and i have been going there for over 40 years.... food is always great... the servers are always awesome... the owner is an awesome guy.. (even if he's a steelers fan lol). Your coffee cup will never be empty. Its the perfect locals joint read more

I'm a "local" and haven't been disappointed. Great stop for breakfast or any other diner fare. One of those off road gems of the Jersey Shore read more

Even on a busy Mother's Day, the food was excellent with quick service. Best blueberry pancakes around!

It's ok. Not as good as Colonial as far as the local diners go. I don't know how to describe this place besides average. There was nothing that really stood out. The breakfast items were probably the best dishes at our table. Eggs and Bacon, pancakes and the hash browns were the stars. I would go again if someone really wanted to, but the Colonial Diner will continue to be our first choice. read more

One of our favorite breakfast spots. Nothing fancy. Good food at good prices. read more