Garden State Diner

I was acknowledged as soon as I walked in the door. So, we were off to a great start. Sat down and they waitress quickly came to get my drink order. Soon after the drink order she came back for my food order. The food came out in a timely manner, so still we are going strong. After the food came out it was as if she forgot about us. She never came to ask for drink refills, she never came back to check how the food was. After finishing our meal, the waitress disappeared to the back for about 15 minutes. So, we were unable to ask for our check nor were we able to leave. I feel they need to hire more staff. Yes, it is pretty much dead there after 5, but one waitress is not enough. Therefore, the service issue is what lead to the two star review. This is my third experience here, and all experiences have been generally the same as above.

We moved to NJ in August and drove past here often. I was excited to try it out! When we walked in the lady who sat us was very friendly but our waitress was extremely rude. I noticed all the wait staff had their drinks sitting all over the counter and played with their hair often . We ordered burgers and when they came they looked dried out. All we could hear the whole time was the wait staff complaining and talking about people who liked them. Then when we were getting ready to leave our waitress was very loud, talking about how a table got sat in her section and she didn't want to wait on them. She said she got off at 2 and wanted to go home ( mind you it was 12) The table was right in front of her. I will NEVER go back here! The waitstaff completely ruined it for us. I have never left a bad review before but this place was terrible.

The only good thing was the waitress was nice. She didn't know the menu, but it is big so I'll forgive her that. But the chairs weren't comfortable and the silverware was cheap. I was with a party of 6 and no one was impressed with their food. My salad was iceberg lettuce and croutons. No veggies or darker lettuce. The bacon was extremely thin that others had. Meanwhile most of the food was dry, bland, cold, or all three. I would find somewhere else to eat.

I have eaten here a few times and the food quality is consistent. Nothing ecstatic but you will not walk away disappointed. Service can be a bit sluggish during rush hours. This a great place to meet with friends or coworkers to sit down and eat. The atmosphere is family friendly. They allow you take your time and you’re not rushed to eat and go. I would recommend.

Upon sitting down and looking at the menu, it seemed a bit pricey for a burger, but then I got the burger. It was big and perfectly cooked with a specially flair. I ordered the Reuben burger and it was extremely filling and delicious. The fries were crispy and how, the slaw was fresh and the pickle was delicious. I would gladly stop here again when passing through. The building has some rough spots but it seems like they are trying to work on some of the faults.