Colonial Diner

- 27 Orient Wy, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071

The diner. For anyone who has grown up in the Garden State, the word conjures images of sparkling chrome, plush vinyl booths, endless coffee refills, and a menu that could double as a short novel. In New Jersey, the diner is not just a place to eat; it is a cultural institution, a hub of community life, and the quintessential American experience. Nestled in the heart of Bergen County, the Colonial Diner in Lyndhurst stands as a shining example of this beloved tradition, consistently offering a warm welcome and a colossal menu of comfort food favorites to locals and travelers alike.

Since its founding in 1950, The Colonial Diner, with its distinctive 1950s train car style and newly renovated retro feel, has captured the heart of the community. It’s the kind of place where a family can gather for a massive Sunday breakfast, a commuter can grab a quick bite off Route 3, or friends can meet for late-night food. Owned by the Gremanis Family since 1984, this establishment has earned its stripes, being recognized by publications like the Daily News and even featured in a National Geographic roundup of the American diner experience, solidifying its status as a must-visit New Jersey gem.

The atmosphere here is a major part of the appeal. It's simultaneously historic, with its classic Mountain View Dining Car Company construction, and cozy, thanks to its red-themed booths and long, spacious counter. Whether you're a college student grabbing a meal, a family out for dinner, a group celebrating, or simply dining solo, the Colonial Diner provides a friendly, casual, and welcoming environment for everyone.

Location and Accessibility

The Colonial Diner is conveniently located in Lyndhurst, making it an easy stop for many in North Jersey. Its proximity to major thoroughfares, including Route 3, makes it a perfect destination whether you're heading into New York City or looking for a meal after an event at the Meadowlands Complex.

The official address is:

27 Orient Way, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA

For convenience, the diner is committed to ensuring every patron has a smooth visit. Accessibility features are robust, including a wheelchair accessible entrance, designated wheelchair accessible parking lot, wheelchair accessible restroom, and wheelchair accessible seating throughout the dining area. Parking is easy, with options for free parking in the on-site parking lot and free street parking available in the vicinity.

Services Offered

The Colonial Diner is equipped to serve guests through multiple channels and for all dining needs.

• Delivery and Takeout: Perfect for those nights when you crave a full diner meal but prefer to dine at home. Online ordering is available for quick grab-and-go pickup.
• Dine-in and Table Service: Enjoy the full, classic diner experience with comfortable seating, including booths and counter stools.
• All-Day Dining: Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert, catering to all times of the day.
• Reservations Accepted: While walk-ins are always welcome, the diner accepts reservations, a useful amenity for larger groups or during peak dining times.
• Amenities: Features a full bar onsite offering alcohol, a clean restroom, and high chairs for the younger crowd.
• Payment Options: Accepting credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments for a hassle-free transaction.
• Good for Kids: A comprehensive kids' menu ensures even the youngest diners are satisfied.

Features / Highlights

What sets The Colonial Diner apart is the balance of classic diner standards with unique, homemade specialties, all delivered with impeccable service.

• Legendary Homemade Soups: A true standout is the family-recipe Lemon Greek Soup (Avgolemono), which is on the menu every Wednesday and has a reputation for being the best around. Reviewers have also praised their generous and flavorful cream of mushroom and lentil soups.
• Award-Worthy Burgers: The menu boasts a fantastic selection of mouth-watering burgers, including specialty combinations like the famous Blue Chip Burger with crumbled blue cheese, crispy home fries, avocado, tomato, and horseradish mayo, or the highly praised Breakfast Burger topped with bacon, a runny egg, and cheese.
• Signature Breakfast & Pancakes: As a diner, they excel at breakfast, served all hours. Beyond the classic omelets and Taylor Ham, Egg, and Cheese sandwiches, the pancakes are a major draw. Varieties include Buttermilk, Silver Dollar, Reese's Pieces Peanut Butter, and the delightful Oreo Pancakes topped with whipped cream. Customers rave about the light, fluffy texture and rich, natural blueberry flavor of the blueberry pancakes.
• The Retro Vibe: The diner has maintained and renovated its aesthetic to capture the nostalgic feel of a 1950s stainless steel railcar diner, providing a truly "retro" and historic backdrop for your meal.
• Exceptional Beverage and Dessert Program: Enjoy a Great Coffee that flows freely, an impressive Great Tea Selection, and a variety of specialty espresso drinks like Cappuccino, Café Latte, and Mocha Ghirardelli. The desserts are a spectacle of their own, featuring classic New Jersey diner favorites like Rice Pudding, fresh baked Apple Pie, and a huge selection of cakes and cheesecakes, including Carrot Cake, Chocolate Blackout, and Almond Tiramisu.
• Diverse Menu Offerings: The extensive menu covers all bases, from traditional comfort food like meatloaf, hot open sandwiches, and bulging cabbage rolls, to healthy options, small plates, and vegetarian choices like the California Kale Veggie Burger.

Contact Information

For current hours, online ordering, or general inquiries, you can reach The Colonial Diner at:

Address: 27 Orient Way, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA

Phone: (201) 935-3192

What is Worth Choosing at The Colonial Diner?

Choosing what to order at a classic Jersey diner can be a delightful challenge, but The Colonial Diner has a few items that are consistently highlighted as 'must-try' experiences for locals. The sheer volume of options means you could visit weekly and never have the same meal twice, yet certain dishes have earned their fame.

Start your day, or any hour of the day, with an order of the blueberry pancakes—a classic executed with remarkable freshness and flavor, as mentioned by numerous patrons. If a savory start is preferred, the customer-raved Irish Eggs Benedict or a classic Taylor Ham, Egg and Cheese on a Roll will satisfy that quintessential Jersey breakfast craving. Don't overlook the hearty, layered Breakfast Burger—it’s a decadent diner experience in a single bite.

For lunch or dinner, dive into one of their specialty burgers or a hot sandwich like the Pepper Jack Meatloaf Hoagie with fried onions and gravy. However, the one dish that truly defines the Colonial Diner's homemade excellence is their rotating lineup of soups. If you visit on a Wednesday, the family-recipe Avgolemono (Lemon Greek Soup) is an essential experience. Beyond that, the comforting homemade lasagna and bulging cabbage rolls are noted as significant draws for those seeking stick-to-your-ribs comfort food.

Finally, no Jersey diner experience is complete without dessert. The Colonial Diner’s impressive bakery case demands attention. Consider ending your meal with a piece of their homemade Carrot Cake, a generous slice of NY Cheesecake with fresh strawberries, or a classic serving of warm, creamy Rice Pudding, a dessert that is arguably the unofficial mascot of the New Jersey diner scene. The combination of high-quality, generously portioned meals and incredibly friendly, attentive service makes the Colonial Diner an undeniable local favorite and a pillar of the New Jersey diner tradition. It’s more than a meal; it’s a welcoming taste of home, right here in Lyndhurst.

Colonial Diner

27 Orient Wy, Lyndhurst, NJ 07071, USA