Garden State Diner: Classic NJ Comfort Food at Newark Airport EWR

Garden State Diner Introduce

For many New Jersey residents, the classic diner is more than just a restaurant—it's an institution, a reliable place for hearty, unpretentious American comfort food available at virtually any hour. The Garden State Diner aims to bring this essential New Jersey experience right into the heart of Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), offering travelers a familiar and welcoming atmosphere in the bustling Terminal C. Situated near Gate 109, this establishment is a beacon for those craving a taste of home or a substantial meal before or after a flight.

The diner’s reputation is built on its comprehensive menu that spans all major American food categories, making it a true family restaurant and a popular spot for solo diners, groups, locals, and tourists alike. From expansive three-egg omelettes and fluffy pancakes available all day to classic melts, signature sandwiches, and full dinners like Southern Fried Chicken Platter and Grass Fed Skirt Steak, the Garden State Diner provides a feast of options. They proudly serve up local favorites, including the iconic Taylor Ham (Pork Roll) and the indulgent Jersey Disco Fries, offering an authentic Garden State culinary touch.

Designed with a casual atmosphere and a distinctly modern take on the traditional metallic diner aesthetic, the restaurant is built to be accessible and accommodating. Patrons often highlight the convenience of having an eatery that caters to nearly every craving, from quick bites and great coffee to late-night food for those very early or very late flights. While the pace of service can sometimes be a factor in the busy airport environment, the quality and variety of the food remain a strong draw, providing a necessary and beloved dining anchor in a major transit point.

The diner prides itself on being a go-to spot for any meal of the day, successfully capturing the essence of the classic New Jersey diner model within the demanding logistics of an airport. It's a place where you can get a serious stack of Blueberry Pancakes for brunch, a satisfying Philly Cheese Steak for lunch, or a full Chicken Parmesan dinner, all while enjoying the characteristic flavors of an American restaurant.

Location and Accessibility

The Garden State Diner is conveniently located post-security within the United Airlines hub, Terminal C, at Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Its exact address is Terminal C Gate 109, Newark, NJ 07114.

Accessibility: Strategically positioned near the C101-C115 gates, the diner is easily accessible for connecting passengers and those departing from this section of the terminal.
Physical Accessibility: The establishment is committed to accommodating all guests, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, restroom, and dedicated seating areas.
Proximity: Being located inside the secure area of the airport means the diner is primarily for ticketed passengers, offering a practical dining solution during layovers or while waiting for a flight.

Services Offered

The Garden State Diner offers a robust set of services tailored to the needs of the fast-paced airport clientele while retaining the full-service charm of a classic diner:

Dine-in Service: Full table service is provided, allowing guests to sit, relax, and enjoy their meal in a comfortable setting.
Takeout Service: For travelers with limited time, a takeout option ensures that quality food can be quickly acquired to be enjoyed on the go or aboard a flight.
All-Day Dining: The diner serves an extensive menu covering Breakfast, Brunch, Lunch, Dinner, and Dessert, accommodating various travel schedules.
Beverage Offerings: A selection of beverages includes a bottomless cup of coffee, various espresso drinks, and cold options, alongside Alcohol and Beer for adult diners.
Family-Friendly Amenities: The diner is good for kids, offering a dedicated Kids' menu and high chairs, making travel easier for families.
Payment Flexibility: Accepts all major payment methods, including Credit Cards, Debit Cards, and NFC Mobile Payments.

Features / Highlights

The Garden State Diner stands out in the EWR dining landscape thanks to several key features that appeal directly to the New Jersey traveler:

Authentic NJ Diner Experience: Captures the look and feel of a classic New Jersey diner, providing a comforting, familiar atmosphere.
Great Coffee: High-quality coffee is a noted highlight, essential for early morning travelers or those needing a boost during a long layover.
Extensive, All-Day Menu: A massive selection spanning classic diner fare from Omelettes and Pancakes to Burgers, Melts, Skirt Steak, and specialty Shakes & Malts.
Local Comfort Food Staples: Features signature Jersey items like the famous Jersey Disco Fries (fries topped with melted cheese and brown gravy) and Local Taylor Ham.
Late-Night Food: Offers dining options late into the evening, catering to delayed flights or late arrivals, a crucial airport amenity.
Variety of Offerings: Provides everything from a Quick Bite to Small Plates and full Dinners, ensuring a choice for every level of hunger and time allowance.

Contact Information

For information regarding the menu, hours of operation, or other inquiries while at Newark Liberty International Airport, patrons can use the following contact details:

Address: Terminal C Gate 109, Newark, NJ 07114

Phone: (973) 648-6791 or +1 973-648-6791

What is Worth Choosing

For any traveler passing through Newark Airport, the Garden State Diner is worth choosing primarily for its commitment to classic, satisfying American comfort food in a genuinely familiar setting. Unlike many specialized airport eateries, this diner is a reliable, all-encompassing option that caters to all dining times and preferences. If you are a New Jersey native or simply looking for an authentic regional experience, the chance to enjoy The Jersey Boy Burger or a "New York Style" Pastrami Reuben right before boarding is a unique advantage.

Specifically, the all-day breakfast selection is a major draw. Being able to order a full 3 Egg Omelet, like the Meat Lovers or the Venetian, or a towering stack of Banana Pancakes late in the afternoon is a hallmark of the diner experience that EWR travelers will appreciate. For those with a sweet tooth or kids in tow, the Shakes & Malts, with whimsical names like 'The Nutella Job' and 'The Flying Monkey,' offer a delightful indulgence. Furthermore, the inclusion of late-night food options makes it a lifesaver for passengers facing unexpected delays or very late arrivals and departures. While the service tempo is noted as potentially variable, the quality of the signature dishes, such as the Cuban sandwich and the Bacon, Egg, and Cheese (BEC) breakfast sandwiches, is consistently highlighted as delicious and true to New Jersey expectations, making it a highly practical and comforting choice at Terminal C.

Garden State Diner Menu

Appetizers
Mozzarella Sticks $11.00
Topped with parmesan cheese & marinara sauce for dipping
Jumbo Buffalo Wings $16.00
Tossed our housemade spicy wing sauce
Jersey Disco Fries $11.00
Golden fries layered with mozzarella cheese & brown gravy
Chili Cheese Fries $13.00
Golden fries, beef & bean chili, melted monterey jack cheese, topped with sour cream & green onion
Crispy Chicken Tenders & Fries $18.50
Fried golden and served over french fries with honey mustard or bbq sauce for dipping
Chicken Quesadilla $17.50
Flour tortilla, melted monterey jack cheese, caramelized onions, chicken, sour cream & salsa on the side
Vegetarian Quesadilla $17.00
Flour tortilla, melted monterey jack cheese, caramelized onions, mushrooms, fresh spinach, sour cream & salsa on the side

Soups
Chicken Noodle $6.00
Beef & Bean Chili $9.00
Topped with melted monterey jack cheese, sour cream and green onion
French Onion Crock $8.00
Melted swiss & parmesan cheeses

Salads
Grilled Chicken Caesar $19.50
Romaine hearts, grated parmesan, seasoned croutons, creamy caesar dressing

Signature Sandwiches
Served with french fries or housemade creole slaw and a pickle
Bbq Hickory Pulled Pork Sandwich $19.00
Melted sharp cheddar cheese & crispy onion strings on a grilled brioche roll
Classic Blt $16.50
Crispy smoked bacon, green leaf lettuce, tomato on toasted sourdough with mayo on the side
The Jack Back $15.50
Our classic grilled cheese sandwich with hickory smoked bacon or tomato on grilled sourdough bread
Grilled Chicken Caesar Wrap $17.50
Fresh herb seasoned chicken breast, romaine, parmesan cheese, caesar dressing & croutons in a flour tortilla wrap
Roast Turkey Club $18.50
Crispy smoked bacon, green leaf lettuce & tomato on three layers of toasted sourdough with mayo on the side
Gyro $16.50
Beef gyro, shaved red onion, sliced tomato & tzatziki sauce on a grilled pita
Philly Cheese Steak $19.00
Shaved rib-eye, caramelized onions, swiss or american cheese & bell peppers upon request on a warm brioche long roll
The Cuban $18.50
Cured ham, roasted pork, swiss cheese, sliced pickles, grain mustard on a pressed brioche long roll
Veggie Wrap $18.00
Red onion, roasted red pepper, tomato, fried sweet potato, spinach & ranch dressing in a honey wheat wrap
Chicken Parm $17.50
Crispy chicken cutlet, tomato sauce, melted mozzarella & parmesan cheeses on a warm brioche round roll

Big Apps
Chili Nachos Americano $12.95
Crispy house made potato chips, tomatoes, red onions, fresh jalapeños, shredded lettuce, melted monterey jack & cheddar cheeses, uncle mike's slow cooked beef & bean chili, sour cream & green onions
Meatballs $11.95
Tomato sauce, grated parmesan, garlic bread
Fried Muzzie Sticks & Chips $11.95
Breaded mozzarella, fresh tomato sauce, topped with parmesan cheese, hand cut potato chips
Crispy Chicken Tenders & Chips $14.95
Hand breaded chicken tenders fried golden brown, served with honey mustard, hand cut potato chips
Blackened Chicken Quesadilla $14.95
Cheddar jack cheese, caramelized onions, sour cream & salsa on the side
Crispy Chicken Ranch Quesadilla $16.95
Breaded chicken, red onion, cheddar cheese & ranch dressing
Jersey Disco Fries $8.95
Hand cut fries layered with mozzarella cheese & brown gravy
Chili Cheese Fries $11.95
Hand cut fries, monterey jack & cheddar cheeses, uncle mike's beef & bean chili, sour cream & green onions
Roadhouse Bbq Pulled Pork Nachos $13.95
Crispy house made potato chips, tomatoes, red onions, fresh jalapeños, shredded lettuce, melted monterey jack & cheddar cheeses, topped with slow roasted bbq pulled pork, sour cream & green onions

Classic Melts
Served with french fries or housemade creole slaw and a pickle.
"New York Style" Pastrami Reuben $20.00
Hot pastrami, fresh kraut, melted swiss, russian dressing on grilled marble rye
Gsd Chicken Melt $19.00
Fresh herb seasoned chicken breast, melted mozzarella cheese, roasted red pepper, fresh basil, balsamic glaze on a toasted rustic roll
Pepper Jack Turkey Melt $19.00
Roasted turkey breast, smoked bacon, melted pepper jack cheese, & chipotle sauce on grilled sourdough bread
Patty Melt $20.00
Beef burger, caramelized onions & mushrooms, swiss cheese on grilled marble rye
Old Fashioned Tuna Melt $16.50
White albacore tuna, grilled tomato & melted cheddar on grilled sourdough bread

Burgers
Served with french fries or housemade creole slaw and a pickle
Mr Deluxo $17.50
American, cheddar, swiss, mozzarella or pepper jack cheese with lettuce, tomato, red onion on a toasted brioche roll
The Jersey Boy Burger $20.00
Grilled taylor ham, american cheese, a sunny side up egg with lettuce, tomato and red onion on toasted brioche roll
The City Slicker $20.00
Hickory smoked bacon, sharp cheddar cheese, crispy onion strings and bbq sauce drizzle with lettuce, tomato, red onion on a toasted brioche roll
Double Trouble $24.00
Double patties & american cheese, caramelized onions, hickory smoked bacon and gsd secret sauce on a toasted brioche roll
The Happy Cow $19.00
100% vegan veggie patty with lettuce, tomato and red onion, served on sourdough bread

Shakes & Malts
With whipped cream and a cherry on top! Make any shake a malt!
Airplane Jane $8.25
Chocolate, vanilla or strawberry ice cream
Mimi's Cookies & Cream $9.50
Vanilla ice cream & oreo cookie crumbles
Bananas & Honey $9.00
Vanilla ice cream, fresh banana & real honey
The Nutella Job $9.00
Vanilla ice cream, nutella hazelnut spread
The Flying Monkey $10.00
Chocolate ice cream, fresh bananas, peanut butter sauce & chocolate sauce
The Dreamliner $8.00
Our seasonal milkshake!

Dinners
Southern Fried Chicken Platter $22.50
Honey dipped and fried golden half chicken, served with sweet potato fries & creole slaw
Blackened Grilled Chicken Dinner $23.50
Cajun seasoned chicken breast with garlic mashed potatoes & coleslaw
Grass Fed Skirt Steak $34.00
Served with garlic mashed potatoes and creole slaw
Chicken Parmesan $21.50
Hand breaded chicken cutlet, melted mozzarella and parmesan cheeses, basil & herb tomato sauce over spaghetti
Chicken & Waffles $24.00
Half chicken quartered, honey dipped & fried crispy, served over our gsd signature recipe belgian waffle with powdered sugar, butter & warm syrup

Sides
Onion Ring Basket $10.00
Creole Slaw $5.00
Garlic Mashed Potatoes $6.50
Sweet Potato Fries $6.50
French Fries $8.50

3 Egg Omelettes
Fresh cracked eggs served with seasoned home fries and choice of 7-grain or sourdough toast
The Big Cheese Omelet $15.00
American, cheddar & mozzarella cheeses
Denver Omelet $16.00
Virginia ham, red onions, peppers, monterey jack cheddar cheese
Greek Omelet $15.50
Tomato, feta cheese, fresh baby spinach
Venetian Omelet $17.00
Tomato, mushroom, sausage, mozzarella cheese
Meat Lovers Omelet $16.50
Bacon, sausage, virginia ham
Veggie Life Omelet $19.50
Made with egg whites, fresh baby spinach, tomato, peppers, red onion & sliced mushrooms, served with a sliced banana or greek yogurt & granola

2 Egg Platters
Fresh cracked eggs served with seasoned home fries and choice of 7-grain or sourdough toast
The Classic Egg Platter $13.50
Two fresh cracked eggs any style, with your choice of applewood smoked bacon, pork sausage links, virginia ham or taylor ham
Corned Beef Hash & Eggs $16.50
Two fresh cracked eggs, any style over grilled corned beef hash
The Hungry Traveler $18.00
Two fresh cracked eggs any style, served with applewood bacon, pork sausage link and a short stack of pancakes, topped with powdered sugar, served with warm syrup & butter
Bobby's Steak & Eggs $25.00
Two fresh cracked eggs any style, over grass fed rib-eye steak

Breakfast Sides
Applewood Smoked Bacon $6.50
Local Taylor Ham $6.50
Virginia Ham $6.50
Seasoned Home Fries $6.00
With peppers & onions
Pork Sausage Links $6.50
Corned Beef Hash $10.50

Hot Drinks
Whole non-fat almond cream
Bottomless Cup Of Coffee $3.25
100% fair trade organic
Double Espresso $4.25
Americano $4.25
Cappuccino $5.25
Caffe Latte $5.25
Caffe Mocha $5.25
Hot Chocolate $4.50
Hand crafted with steamed milk
Hot Tea By Lipton
Hot Organic Herbal Teas

Cold Drinks
Organic Arabica Iced Coffee $3.50
Iced Americano $4.25
Iced Caffe Latte $5.25
Unsweetened Iced Tea $3.50
Iced Sweet Tea $3.50
Lemonade $5.00
Strawberry Lemonade $5.00
Arnold Palmer $5.00
Milk $4.75
Chocolate Milk $5.25
Orange Juices $5.25
Apple Juices $5.25
Cranberry Juices $5.25
Bottomless Pepsi Fountain Sodas $3.50
20 Oz. Bottled Water $3.50

Breakfast Sandwiches
Jersey Morning $13.00
Layers of taylor ham on a toasted brioche roll
Egg White Greek Wrap $13.00
Scrambled egg whites, feta cheese, tomato & fresh spinach in a honey wheat wrap
The Monte Cristo $18.50
Brioche french toast sandwich with virginia ham, roasted turkey, melted swiss, powdered sugar and warm syrup for dipping. served with a side of home fries
The Truck Stop $13.50
Two eggs scrambled with cheese, taylor ham, bacon & sausage on a toasted rustic roll
Ham & Swiss Croissant $9.00
Warm cured ham & swiss on a flaky french croissant

Pancakes, French Toast & Waffles
Topped with powdered sugar and served with warm syrup & butter
Stack $10.50
Three buttermilk pancakes made with our signature scratch recipe
Berries & Cream French Toast $15.00
Topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream
Blueberry Stack $14.50
With fresh blueberries baked in
Waffle $11.50
Gsd signature belgian waffle recipe baked off in our hot irons
Banana Stack $14.00
With fresh banana slices baked in
Berries & Cream Waffle $16.00
Topped with fresh blueberries, strawberries and whipped cream
Oreo Stack $14.00
With oreo crumbles baked in, vanilla icing & whipped cream
Chicken & Waffles $24.00
Half chicken quartered, honey dipped & fried, served over our gsd signature recipe belgian waffle, served with powdered sugar, butter & warm syrup
French Toast $10.50
Thick cut brioche dipped and grilled in cinnamon & vanilla egg custard

Greek Yogurt
Honey & Granola Yogurt $11.00
Yogurt & Berries $11.00
Strawberries blueberries

Fresh Fruit
Fresh Cut Fruit Salad $8.50
Fresh Banana $2.25
Orange $2.25
Apple $2.25

Garden State Diner Details

Service options
Takeout
Dine-in
Delivery

Highlights
Fast service
Great coffee

Popular for
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Solo dining

Accessibility
Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible restroom
Wheelchair accessible seating

Offerings
Alcohol
Beer
Coffee
Comfort food
Late-night food
Quick bite
Small plates

Dining options
Breakfast
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Dessert
Seating
Table service

Amenities
Restroom

Atmosphere
Casual

Crowd
Groups
Locals
Tourists

Planning
Accepts reservations

Payments
Credit cards
Debit cards
NFC mobile payments

Children
Good for kids
High chairs
Kids' menu

Garden State Diner Photos

Garden State Diner Location

Garden State Diner

New Jersey Essex County Newark

Terminal C Gate 109, Newark, NJ 07114, USA

Garden State Diner Reviews

An average rating of ★3.5 from 766 user reviews.

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★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1

The bagel with BEC was delicious!!! The Cuban with coleslaw also delicious!!!The fruit parfait I would skip and it’s way overpriced.The Nutella shake was good too.The service was below par, once they take your order you never see your waitress again:(They also add on a 3% employee retention to your tab not sure if it’s NJ thing or not.Overall I would eat again but get it to go.
September 27 · Roxanne Bussell
!!! DO NOT EAT HERE !!!THERE WAS GLASS IN MY FOOD AND I HAD TO VISIT THE ER.I visited this restaurant on 9/23/25 to get some food before my flight back home. In my coleslaw, there was a piece of glass that I only found because I bit down on it while I was eating.My server didnt come back after my order because they were busy and this other server talked to me instead. She treated me horribly and never once apologized. When I asked for a manager, she told me the manager wasn't there and that I'm fine because the glass is on the plate and I should leave. She also threw away the glass. I felt like I was trying to be reasonable and just wanted to go home, but after that I got mad and I started to feel a lot of pain in my stomach. I own a restaurant myself so I could not believe these workers could be so careless with people's food.I asked several times for a receipt but was refused. I asked for help getting medical assistance and they said they didn't know and brushed me off. I eventually dialed 911 to call the police to get a receipt and an ambulance to take me to the ER because I didn't know if I ate any glass. If something happens on the plane I wouldn't be able to get help.What was supposed to be a simple meal turned into me missing my flight when I have a busy day tomorrow and a hospital visit. This was my worst experience at both an airport and a restaurant.
September 25 · k2 H
Garden State Diner ReviewWhile waiting for my plane to arrive, I decided to stop in and grab a bite to eat. The food was really good—I ordered the Jersey Morning, which comes with a Kaiser roll and Taylor ham (aka pork roll), along with coffee and orange juice.However, the service left something to be desired. There were plenty of staff on the floor, but they didn’t seem very focused on the customers. Maybe it was just an off day. I wasn’t in a rush, but I noticed several people waiting so long to be seated that they ended up leaving.
July 26 · John S
Great food and reasonable prices for a an Airport restaurant.Awesome Monte-Christo sandwich -- huge, think French toast and substantial filling.Nice blackened Chicken Caesar salad. Not overly fancy, but still a great option.The bakery case looks like it has some superb muffins, croissants, bagels, cake slices, and salads to go. Far better looking than most quick-grab airport options.
March 22 · Jerry Harrow
My Philly cheese steak sandwich + beer battered onion rings were genuinely delicious. Both had a bit of sweetness to them, and it just really hit the spot.Staff could be faster and more attentive. I was there at an off-peak time when the dining room fluctuated between 1/3-1/2 full and it still took way too long to be seated and a first approach just to take a drink order.The pricing is very similar to other food-court style places in the airport, but better food and real seating provided. Having said that, the booth seats are an ergonomic nightmare that was made especially brutal after a long flight.
June 28 · Gray McKay