River Star Diner

This is a very nice diner with delicious food! I used to eat here very often back in 2017 with a special person to me, and I have fond memories eating here. This is my first time back since then. I had a lunch here today on 03/20/2022. The food was just as yummy as it was in 2017! They have lots of tables in the front and on the side. They also have more tables in the way back end of the place and I always wanted to sit there, but missed my chance again on this trip! I will have to go back and insist on a table back there by the river! 😉 This diner was built right on the edge of a small river which is where the name came from. It has a nice cozy aptmosphere with comfy booths and nice frosted glass accents. Employees have always been nice and friendly. Service has always been fast for me. Pros: Yummy food! Lots of tables Clean Fast seating Fast service Friendly employees Good prices Good drink selection Huge food selection! Yummy burger Tasty crunchy fries! Plant based straws! (No soggy paper straws!) Lots of parking Free parking Great location in awesome Hackettstown, NJ!

So we went for Breakfast to celebrate the New Year. And they told me the only meat available to have with my eggs was London broil. But instead they brought me “Steak-Umms” a difference of $6.00 in price which was $12.00 for 2 dishes. I could tell right away. They also forgot our toast & my husband’s soup. The waitresses spoke a foreign language so I don’t know if they really understood the differences in the menu dishes & prices. The 1st picture is what they brought me. In the 2nd picture you can see the Menu Price difference between Steak Umms & real London Broil. The last picture is what London Broil really looks like. On top of that the Philly Steaks they brought me instead were really bad as well. I didn’t eat!!

Not happy with my last visit to this diner. Floors were dirty with crumbled up napkins and food debris. The place was empty with only three tables with patrons. The place was either understaffed or the boss wasn't around; because the place was dirty. To much liter and food crumbs on the floor. Whoever was in charge of cleaning up needs to be fired. My family loves this place; so I'll give this place one more shot. The food was okay. Nothing special.

So where to begin …. The staff is very nice and professional. But whomever is cooking has given up French toast is very easy to make. This French toast had so many flaws Firstly…. They don’t even try to use brioche or Texas toast thick sliced bread The bread was thin and dry. They used egg beaters. At least dip the bread “preferably Thick bread”. And let it soak in the beautiful fresh eggs. Then fry it in butter, not margarine but butter Try sprinkling your breakfast delights in a little powdered sugar and grit some strawberry’s or cantaloupe and garnish the plate for gods sake. I had the waffle recently and it was also thrown a a plate with no powder sugar or fruit garnish. The cake display is so sad. Some half cut cakes and pies. I can’t imagine they are fresh. You could have a thriving business and if you added a few special touches and ideas to your menu. It’s sad we have no choices in Hackettstown for a good diner. When ihop is better you know that’s sad Contact me I am a professional home chef and would be happy to help your chef out with some great tips and tricks