DorBat’s Diner Introduce
New Jersey's diverse culinary landscape offers a world of flavors right in your backyard, and few experiences are as genuinely heartwarming as dining at a local African and Soul Food spot. For residents and visitors in the Newark area, DorBat's Diner stands out as a true gem, delivering a friendly, family-owned atmosphere coupled with deeply satisfying, authentic cuisine. This establishment is more than just a place to eat; it's a destination for experiencing rich culinary traditions that seamlessly blend African staples with the comforting essence of Soul Food.
DorBat's Diner has earned a reputation for being a wonderful, family-owned operation where the quality of the food is matched by the warmth of the service. They are known to serve up hearty portions of what is often described as genuine "African soul food," making it a must-visit spot for anyone in the region looking for a meal that feels both exotic and deeply familiar. The unique combination of African and Soul Food types means the menu is rich with options, from slow-cooked meats and flavorful rice dishes to classic diner fare, ensuring something for every palate. The tone is casual and welcoming, a perfect setting for a relaxed meal.
Strategically located in one of New Jersey’s most dynamic cities, DorBat's Diner is easily accessible for many residents across the Northern New Jersey region and beyond. You can find this highly-regarded eatery at:
500 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ 07108
The Clinton Avenue location places the diner in a vibrant part of Newark, making it a convenient stop whether you are driving, using public transportation, or live locally. As a genuine local business, its position helps serve the community as a go-to spot for lunch, dinner, and everything in between. The central location in Newark, a major hub in Essex County, means it's a short trip for those in Elizabeth, Irvington, East Orange, and even parts of Union and Hudson Counties looking for quality African and Soul Food.
Understanding the needs of busy New Jersey residents, DorBat's Diner provides multiple service options to ensure you can enjoy their food wherever you are. Whether you prefer a relaxing dine-in experience or the convenience of eating at home, they have you covered.
- Dine-in Service: Enjoy the casual atmosphere of the diner by choosing to eat on-site. The setting is welcoming and considered good for kids, making it suitable for family outings or a relaxed solo meal.
- Takeout (Pickup): For those on the go, simply calling ahead or placing an order for pickup allows you to enjoy their comforting dishes quickly and conveniently.
- Delivery Service: For maximum convenience, the diner partners with delivery services to bring their delicious African and Soul Food right to your door in the Newark area and surrounding neighborhoods.
- Lunch and Dinner: The diner is popular for both midday and evening meals, making it an excellent option for lunch breaks, family dinners, or a late-night bite.
What truly sets DorBat's Diner apart is its menu, which masterfully brings together the best of African cooking with classic Soul Food appeal. The offerings focus on providing satisfying comfort food, including options perfect for a quick bite or those looking to try small, flavorful plates. Customers frequently praise the authenticity and quality of the preparation, often citing specific dishes that showcase the restaurant's expertise.
- Comfort Food Focus: The menu is centered on deeply flavorful, rich, and comforting dishes, which is typical of both African cuisine and Soul Food traditions.
- African Specialties: Specific African side dishes are regularly available and highly recommended, such as Jollof Rice, Fried Sweet Plantain, Fufu, Banku, Attieke, and Fried African Yams. These sides are essential components of West African cuisine.
- Solo Dining Friendly: The establishment's casual and welcoming atmosphere makes it a great choice for individuals dining alone who are looking for a satisfying, relaxed experience.
- Signature Flavorful Beverages: One customer highlighted the refreshing and zesty ginger beverage, suggesting the house-made drinks are as much a treat as the main courses.
- Accommodating Service: A review noted that the staff is attentive and helpful, even phoning a customer to correct an order to ensure the dishes would complement each other—a testament to their focus on a positive customer experience.
- Casual Atmosphere: The general vibe is relaxed and casual, perfect for unwinding and enjoying a non-fussy, high-quality meal.
- Kid-Friendly Environment: The diner is known to be a good place to bring children, making it an ideal option for a family meal out in Newark.
- Quick Bite and Small Plates: The availability of small plates and quick bite options makes it easy to sample different items or grab a light meal without committing to a large entrée.
- Accepted Payment: For convenience, the diner accepts debit cards for payment.
For orders, inquiries, or to verify current hours and offerings, the diner is readily contactable.
Address: 500 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ 07108
Phone: (973) 855-1399
Mobile Phone: +1 973-855-1399
For anyone in New Jersey, particularly those near Newark, DorBat's Diner offers a compelling reason to visit. First and foremost, it provides a chance to explore authentic African cuisine—a vibrant and growing part of the New Jersey culinary scene—alongside comforting, well-executed Soul Food. Customers consistently praise the quality and flavor, with specific mention of dishes like Jollof Rice (often described as "Bomb!") and Attieke with baked fish, highlighting the authentic and delicious cooking.
Moreover, choosing this establishment supports a local, family-owned business that genuinely cares about its customers. The professional and friendly service, including the willingness to ensure customers' orders are enjoyable and correct, demonstrates a commitment that goes beyond simple transactions. Whether you are an experienced lover of African food or someone new to the cuisine, the staff's dedication to quality and service will ensure a positive and memorable dining experience. The convenience of their location, combined with the multiple service options (dine-in, takeout, delivery), ensures that a taste of true African Soul Food comfort is never far away for New Jersey residents. It is a genuine local treasure that contributes significantly to the rich cultural and gastronomic fabric of Newark.
DorBat’s Diner Details
Service options
- Delivery
- Takeout
- Dine-in
Popular for
- Lunch
- Dinner
- Solo dining
Offerings
- Comfort food
- Quick bite
- Small plates
Dining options
- Lunch
- Dinner
Atmosphere
- Casual
Payments
- Debit cards
- Credit cards
Children
- Good for kids
DorBat’s Diner Photos










DorBat’s Diner Location
DorBat’s Diner
500 Clinton Ave, Newark, NJ 07108, USA
DorBat’s Diner Reviews
peppersjollof riceonions
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1My order was quite enjoyable. I had some large fish that was topped with rice that had been seasoned and sauteed onions and peppers. Since I had never really had African food before, I ordered something that didn't really fit with my order, so I really appreciate that they phoned me. The ginger beverage was flavorful, zesty, and refreshing.
January 26 · William M. HullWonderful family owned African soul food Diner. If you are ever in Newark New Jersey you owe it to yourself to go by their spot. Wonderful people and great food!
April 20 · Lone X'erI really enjoyed my order. I got a big fish which was covered in cooked onions and peppers and spiced rice which both were delicious. I really appreciate that they called me because I ordered something that wouldn’t make sense with my order (I haven’t really eaten African food before). The Ginger drink was delicious and fresh and spicy.
March 04 · Madison MadisonFried shrimp: Adequate. Standard size. Flavor was average. You will need a glaze or dipping sauce to enhance what little flavor it has.Fried sweet and sticky wings: The sauce was a good flavor. I can't imagine the wings being good plain because the sauce is the total flavor profile of the chicken wing. The wings had a nice crunch but something was lacking. I'm not sure if it was how it was prepared, the freshness, or maybe the seasoning or lack thereof.Strawberry cake: Purchased two cakes (stupidly). Both were bad but even more so the strawberry cake. The cake was stiff, dry, crumbly, and stale. I had the food delivered so when I saw the container I can tell it was refrigerated. I thought perhaps if I just sit it out for awhile some of the moisture would come back and regain softness but no it didn't. Avoid their cakes if you see it refrigerated. Unless it's on a cake stand / plate it's not worth the gamble with your money. I don't know how long they've been refrigerated or when they were baked.Potato salad: The first bite all I tasted was water. More bites it was just on the bland side.Fried whiting: Fine. Not too thin. That's what I was most concerned about when ordering whiting and it became the least issue with the meal.Fried rice: mehJollof rice: I feel like the peas and carrots were just edible ornaments. Much like the green sprinkles they had on the chicken and mac. No real additive to the flavor of the dish and I personally didn't care for it. I mean it gave it a different texture in some parts and color but I rather good food than aesthetics. The rice has a spicy kick to it fair warning. I can't speak on the authenticity but I thought it was better than their signature fried rice.Mac and cheese: I don't believe it should've been called mac and cheese. I tasted no cheese. When I think mac and cheese I think southern mac and cheese which is cheesy, has sharp cheddar cheese, and soft noodles. This had none of that. It was like eating a side of stiff rigid mac noodles that was boiled in some seasoned water earlier in the day and now is being served later in the day where it's just stuck together room temperature elbow pasta.
June 18 · D******* D*******Food here is absolutely delicious, red snapper and the loaded rice are my favorite 🥰 Do yourself a favor and go get something to eat from here
May 07 · J J
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