Tops Diner is a diner in East Newark, NJ. Open: Mon–Sun 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM. Phone: (973) 481-0490. Average rating is 4.6 stars from 17,124 reviews. Website: https://www.thetopsdiner.com/.
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Tops Diner — 500 Passaic Ave, East Newark, NJ 07029, USA
4.6 17,124 reviews Today 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

Diner Plates Hit Like Headliners

East Newark crowd packs 500 Passaic Ave for Cajun pasta, churro toast, and zero quiet corners.

About Us

Tops Diner runs at full volume. 17124 reviews clock the same result: portions arrive hot, flavors land loud, and the kitchen never pauses between orders. Cajun pasta carries pepper heat into every bite. Churro French toast swaps syrup for cinnamon sugar that sticks to the roof of your mouth. The bar clears walk-up waits on Saturday nights while the dining room keeps plates moving. No soft lighting, no hushed tables, just the clatter of silverware and the steady rhythm of a place built for volume and speed.

What We Offer

Breakfast plates stack high until late. Lunch specials turn over fast. Dinner runs nonstop from 4 p.m. with pasta, burgers, and omelets cooked to order. Takeout windows stay open for curb-side pickup. The bar pours coffee, cocktails, and milkshakes in equal rotation.

Why Choose Us

4.6 stars from 17124 reviews proves the kitchen keeps standards tight under pressure.
Cajun pasta and churro French toast draw repeat visits across every shift.
Bar seating bypasses 90-minute table waits on weekend nights.
Staff levels match the crowd so orders clear tables without delays.
Clean counters and quick resets keep the diner ready for the next wave.
Open late so East Newark gets hot meals after midnight.

Gallery

Take a look at our space and what we have to offer

What Our Customers Say

Don't just take our word for it - hear from our satisfied customers

Click to Rate & Review This Business ✍️
⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Food and drinks were so good. Service wasn’t bad, but it wasn’t great. We ordered the Cajun Pasta and Churro French Toast, both were so good but we weren’t told the toast on the pasta would be $5 extra. If I knew how many toppings the French toast had, I would’ve asked them for on the side, still delicious. We also had the Ube latte which was really good, but very sweet, which I’m fine with; and the frozen hot chocolate, which was also yummy. Would recommend coming here!!"
— Nidia Gomez
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"Tops Diner was an unexpected stop as we were in the area, this place was jumping on a Saturday night! The wait for a regular table was 90 minutes, luckily we walked right up to the bar and people were leaving as we were coming. Once we sat down, we didn’t see anybody get up from the bar the entire duration we were there. Get there early! Service was great and attentive. We got the spicy rigatoni with a chicken cutlet added, and the french dip sandwich. The rigatoni was good, a bit overcooked though. The sauce was delicious, and the chicken cutlet was basically a whole chicken. Usually, restaurants are skimpy with the protein, so that was appreciated. The french dip was on delicious bread, but was more like a mix between a cheesesteak and french dip. There were fried onions and cheese, which normally it’s just a roast beef sandwich with au jus on the side. They were a bit skimpy on the meat. The side of fries and onions rings it came with were delicious though. The prices are definitely steep, but portions are big. We would definitely come back if we were in the area again. The interior was beautiful with all the renovations they did."
— Ariana Lucidonio
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"This place is worth the hype. The service was great, the place is well run and there is enough staff to handle all the customers. All the dishes we ordered were great. The diner is neat and clean and the “hip hop” “east coast” decor is very nostalgic for those that grew up in the 90’s."
— Cybil Skar
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
2 months ago
"Just wasnt expecting it to be that nice. I was impressed.. lived in Jersey all my life growing up this was the spot to go late night.Never went, I guess I grew up and the spot did too. Took my daughter..we enjoyed the ambiance our waitress Joselyn or Jacqueline was super nice. Chicken cooked to perfection 👌..ill be back again."
— Kaleena Koon
⭐⭐⭐⭐
3 months ago
"This diner themed restaurant is nice, new, and large. The portions are pretty generous. I really liked the fried. Be careful about up-charges. For example, when ordering a sandwich the server will suggest all of the extra cost sides rather than basic fries so you almost need to explicitly ask for the regular option. You should make a reservation in advance. Some of the sandwiches are better than others. There is parking."
— Jaye Aster Broder

Frequently Asked Questions

How long is the wait on Saturday nights?

Regular tables can hit 90 minutes. Bar seats usually open immediately and serve full menu items.

Do they take reservations?

No. Walk-ins only. Bar seating fills first when the dining room backs up.

What time does the kitchen close?

Breakfast runs until 3 p.m. Dinner service continues until late with takeout available after midnight.

Are the portions big?

Yes. Cajun pasta and churro French toast both arrive oversized and travel well in takeout containers.

Is parking available?

Street spots line Passaic Ave and side streets around the block.

Hours of Operation

Closed · Opens 8:00 AM
Monday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Tuesday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Wednesday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Friday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Saturday 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Sunday Today 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM

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