Tick Tock Diner

- 281 Allwood Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012

The New Jersey diner is more than just a place to eat; it's a cultural landmark, a beacon of late-night comfort, and a cornerstone of the Garden State's dining landscape. Among the countless esteemed establishments, the Tick Tock Diner in Clifton stands out as a true legend, celebrated for its striking chrome exterior, historic charm, and a menu that perfectly blends classic comfort food with modern culinary updates. For anyone in the New Jersey region looking for an authentic, high-quality, and reliable dining experience, the Tick Tock Diner is a quintessential stop.

Since opening its doors in 1948, the Tick Tock Diner has cemented its status as an iconic New Jersey institution, offering a welcoming haven for families, college students, groups, locals, and tourists alike. The atmosphere manages to be both cozy and historic, featuring a newly renovated, modern interior while still retaining that essential old-school diner feel, complete with gleaming stainless steel accents and classic neon lighting—including its famous "Eat Heavy" sign. Whether you're craving a hearty breakfast, a substantial lunch, or a satisfying dinner, this spot delivers a friendly and professional dining experience around the clock. Note, while historically famous for being a 24/7 diner, recent information suggests current operating hours may be more restricted (e.g., 7 am-10 pm, seven days a week), so it’s always best to call ahead if planning a very late-night visit, though it remains a popular spot for late-night food.

Location and Accessibility

Conveniently situated at 281 Allwood Rd in Clifton, NJ 07012, the Tick Tock Diner is easily accessible and a familiar sight for anyone traveling through the area, particularly along Route 3 West. Its prominent location and visible, iconic neon signage make it nearly impossible to miss.

For patrons traveling by car, accessibility is a major advantage. The diner provides ample parking options, ensuring a stress-free visit:

The establishment is also committed to ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests, with robust accessibility features in place:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot (Free on-site parking and free street parking available)
• Wheelchair accessible restroom
• Wheelchair accessible seating

Services Offered

As a multifaceted establishment classifying itself as a Diner, American Restaurant, Bar, Breakfast Restaurant, and Fast Food Restaurant, the Tick Tock Diner offers a wide array of services and dining formats to suit nearly any need or schedule.

• Dine-in: Enjoy table service in the casual, cozy, and vibrant atmosphere.
• Takeout: Quick and convenient service for meals on the go.
• Delivery: Multiple options, including a no-contact delivery service.
• Outdoor Seating: A pleasant option for enjoying a meal in fair weather.
• Catering: Offered for events, with options like their Caesar Wraps Tray ($40.99).
• All-Day Dining: Serving breakfast, brunch, lunch, dinner, and dessert.
• Full Bar Service: Offering a selection of Alcohol, Beer, Cocktails, Hard liquor, and Wine, alongside Coffee and Hot Tea.
• Late-Night Food: A classic diner offering for those late cravings.
• Specialty Offerings: Including Comfort food, Healthy options, Quick bites, Small plates, and excellent Vegetarian options (e.g., Veggie Rainbow Wrap, Beyond Meatless Burger, Egg White Veggie Omelet).

Features / Highlights

The Tick Tock Diner has earned its renowned reputation not just through longevity, but by consistently delivering quality and maintaining a memorable experience.

• Fast Service: Highly noted by patrons, ensuring a quick and efficient meal.
• Great Beverages: Acclaimed for its Great coffee and an excellent Great tea selection, with options like Nespresso, Cold Brew, and Nitro Brew.
• Great Desserts: Famous for its dessert case with offerings such as Strawberry Cheesecake ($11.99) and Creamy Milkshakes ($9.99).
• Serves Local Specialty: The diner is the birthplace or at least the popularizer of the iconic Disco Fries (French Fries, brown gravy, and mozzarella), and a popular spot for New Jersey favorites like the Taylor Ham ($9.99) breakfast. The special "The Mick Jagger" breakfast plate, featuring a Taylor ham, egg, and cheese sandwich with a side of disco fries, is a popular, locally-loved creation.
• Iconic Menu Items: Beyond Disco Fries, highlights include the 50/50 Burger (50% ground slab bacon & 50% ground chuck), the hearty Short Rib Grilled Cheese Sandwich ($18.99), and substantial entrees like New York Sirloin Steak ($36.99) and Salmon Risotto ($28.99).
• Child-Friendly Amenities: Good for kids, with High chairs and a Kids' menu available, making it ideal for family dining.
• Diverse Crowd: An atmosphere that welcomes College students, Families, Groups, Locals, and Tourists equally.
• Historic and Renovated Atmosphere: The diner blends a classic aesthetic with a modern, clean, and well-maintained interior following a recent renovation, keeping the spirit of the historic, 1948-established institution alive.

Contact Information

For directions, reservations, or to place a takeout order, you can contact the diner using the following information:

Address: 281 Allwood Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA

Phone: (973) 777-0511

What is Worth Choosing

Choosing the Tick Tock Diner is about embracing a piece of New Jersey history while enjoying a vast, high-quality, and satisfying meal. It's a professional and friendly environment that caters to virtually every taste and time of day. What truly makes it worth choosing is its ability to deliver the quintessential diner experience—reliable food, generous portions, and a welcoming atmosphere—while also evolving its menu to include contemporary and healthier options (like the Shrimp & Avocado Bowl or the Beyond Meatless Burger) and full bar service.

Ultimately, whether you are seeking a traditional New Jersey "Eat Heavy" experience with a plate of Disco Fries and a Taylor Ham breakfast, or a more sophisticated dinner like the Steak & Shrimp, the Tick Tock Diner consistently delivers. It is a one-of-a-kind dining destination where the past and present of the Garden State's food culture meet under the glow of a classic neon sign. Its reputation for great coffee and dessert, coupled with fast, attentive service, ensures that a visit to this iconic Clifton location is always a rewarding choice for local residents.

Tick Tock Diner

281 Allwood Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012, USA