SJ Attractions - Diners

We've all been there, sitting around with a bunch of friends and someone says- "Hey, let's go to the Diner." Great suggestion, but which diner? South Jersey certainly has its fair share of great ones, and this week we are going to focus on a few landmark ones.

First, what makes up a diner? Everyone has his or her own opinion, but hers is how I see it. No chains, you know, IHOP, Mc Donalds, and Denny's. Diners mean good food at a reasonable price served whenever you want. That means pancakes, and french fries, and coffee, whenever you're in the mood for it. Anytime, day or night, and it has to be open 24 hours. A jukebox, a counter and booths are a few other requirements. A neon sign doesn't hurt either.

Okay, now that we know what makes up a diner, where are they and what are the good ones in South Jersey? Well, there is Olga's Diner at the circle in Marlton. Opened over 40 years ago and still going strong. Next you have the Golden Dawn Diner on Rt.38 in Maple Shade. (One of my favorites). Good food, even better prices and friendly staff. Mastoris Diner located on Route 130 South, in Bordentown, just north of the New Jersey Turnpike at Exit 7, invites hungry travelers with its neon sign situated high above the sprawling red brick building. This place is big, and I mean big. They can serve up to 3000 people on a busy day! The cool thing about this place is the 1968 Dining car that sits smack in the middle of this place. The dining car was opened after a fire destroyed the original diner in 1967. After numerous changes and additions, it's now become the centerpiece of Mastoris Diner. Ponzio's in Cherry Hill, this place may call itself a restaurant, but everyone in South Jersey knows it's a good old-fashioned diner. The setting's a bit more upscale than the average diner, but Ponzio's is still the place to go when you need the comforts of turkey with mashed potatoes or a cheese omelet.

I don't have the room to list all the great diners in South Jersey, but here are a few more notable ones:

Diamond Diner Restaurant; Route 73, Voorhees

Phily Diner; Black Horse Pike, Runnemede

Silver Coin Diner; Routes 30 and 206, Hammonton

Shore Diner; 6710 Tilton Rd., Pleasantville

Galloway Diner; Route 30 West, Pomona

Five Points Diner Restaurant; Routes 41 and 47, Deptford

Cup & Saucer; 663 W. Broad St., Paulsboro

And there are thousands more. So next time someone says "Hey, let's go to the Diner," just get in the car and head out, but remember prerequisites that make up a diner and have fun finding a new one.

When you find a great diner, why not give it a review right here.

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Author: Steve Kelly - Editor, SouthJersey.com