Another unique discovery in Oakland, New Jersey. A bit off the beaten path but definitely worth the detour. Very colorful and fun ambience. The menu is extensive and printed on a large double sided laminated card. The font is rather small and alas, I did not have my glasses. We just stopped in for a quick lunch and the food was good. Definitely want to go back sometime when not in a rush.
This old school diner kills it in terms of food and service.Been here twice with family for a variety of breakfast and lunch. Their fries (regular and sweet potato) are great, along with the onion rings and coleslaw / pickles.I recommend their thick cut bacon (you can get it in the Committed Pig sandwich, and the burgers). The club sandwich is also great as is the pancakes.Servers are very friendly and attentive.
We came in on a Wednesday at 1ish and it seemed pretty packed at that time. The lot was almost full, but the restaurant was probably only at half. To me, a great diner has to have pretty good food (not expecting any 5-star cuisine), has plenty of options (think of whatever American food youre craving, and they should have it), and most importantly, has reasonable prices.They have pretty good food. Theyve got the plenty of options down. But they lost us on the reasonable prices. Prices are equivalent to actual restaurant prices, so maybe like a 25% markup than typical diner prices (i.e. the average price of a specialty burger is $15, omelettes are around $10). Here is everything we ordered:French Onion Soup - oh my god. Eating this makes me think I havent had enough French onion soup in my life. Its so cheesy and jam packed with flavor. I tried making it at home myself once and compared to this, mine was just absolute sewage water. This would be something good to share because its definitely a lot for one person, just because of how salty it isChipotle Avocado Burger (9 oz. burger topped with arugula, fried tomatoes, Monterrey Jack cheese, avocado, and chipotle sauce - served with French fries) - we ordered this rare, thinking it would come out more medium rare (since burgers tend to come out more medium when we order it medium rare), but they actually cooked it to rare, which I appreciated. It ended up being a bit to rare for us but thats on us. I respect their burger-cooking skill level.BLT - we ordered this because we wanted to get another sandwich but didnt want the fries that typically come with the sandwich, so we settled on this. It was a pretty standard BLT. We ended up sharing the burger, half the fries, and half the BLT, and were stuffed - so we had some leftovers to take home.For drinks, we ordered an egg cream. Ive only had it one other time elsewhere and I like it, so I dont have much to compare it to - but I liked the one here as well.Seeing as this is a diner and there are diners everywhere you turn in NJ, coupled with the fact that we dont live nearby, I probably wouldnt visit again. But overall, not a bad NJ diner experience.
The food was really good! there are so many options I’d have to come back to try some more - especially their desserts they have displayed right when you enter that tempt you that scream “home made”. The decor inside is the highlight, the room is open with lots of color and vintage items along the walls and ceilings it’s truly a welcoming place. Even their outdoor seating has lighting and some thought put into it rather than random tables/chairs put together which is appreciated. Come check them out!
I never got a chance to write anything about this place as I was in a rush. Nonetheless, I wanted to add the 5 stars before I forgot so just placed them.. then forgot! Several weeks later, Im returning to write how good the place was: 1. Nice waiting area but didnt wait over 10 minutes. 2. Lots of seniors (they always know the really good places). 3. Prices were super reasonable. 4. Food was delicious!!
I feel bad writing this because the people are really nice here, but the food was bad. I got a salad, and it was $17, and it was bland, oddly cooked (the chicken was kind of chewy), and I think there was cheese in the dish when it wasn’t supposed to have any.My fork was dirty and so was the cream container for my coffee. Absolutely no one wore a mask, and the place was filled to the brim. It’s hard to find parking, and the “outside” area is really just an extension of the restaurant.The check came out to $63, and the food was very poor quality. The locals seem to like this place, so perhaps there is a niche market, but definitely not a prime destination for foodies.
The Oakland diner delivers a little bit of happiness even when you only drive by. The vibrant and joyful exterior of the diner made us want to stop and pop in.And we werent disappointed, the inside of the diner has funky murals and a completely decorations covered ceiling with lots of Americana.The diner was a filled with locals of all ages, the place to be!And no wonder, with a extensive tasty menu from burgers, omelets, sundays, cakes etc. and good and fast service.
We originally planned to go to Portobello but the gal at the hostess stand was not at all polite or accommodating so we left. We then stopped to check out the Oakland Diner and we were so glad we did. Super cute ambiance, friendly and professional staff (our server Nohemi was terrific) and the Rosalita Pannini and Veggie Quesadilla were delicious and abundant. Great experience and great value too! We will definitely be heading back to The OD!
Okay, I had the most amazing pumpkin spice pancakes, luscious ham, and an apple-pineapple compote. It was a culinary overload to the taste buds that made me happy for the rest of the weekend. HAPPY TUMMY!
Ive been eating here for over a dozen years. The staff is friendly and helpful. The menu has a great variety and the specials are always tasty. Great food and a cool retro atmosphere.
Food was above average and those damn tuna melts are killer… 5 OUT OF 5
Very good food, gets busy sometime but worth the wait.
My fav diner in NJ. I love eating here all the time. I havent eaten out its been a year now. I like eating here on their patio, the food is amazingly, fresh and the waiters/waitresses are very attentive!!!!*****Update been eating here 1 year on regular basis lately whenever I order my salad the chicken is raw inside but burned outside and the avocados are dried black and if I complain there is I guess shes the manager with short block hair all she does is make snippy remarks and thinks people dont hear her
Great local diner! Coming from NYC I have strong opinions about diners. This one NAILS it. Great staff that makes sure orders are correct. Excellent food with top tier ingredients like Goffle Farms chicken (the best chicken around if you havent had it). Brightly painted with fun classic TV and movie scenes. Great place to bring the kids. We moved here a month ago and this will definitely be our diner!
Just stopped in passing by for a rest stop. The apple pie is delicious and others who had meals thoroughly enjoyed them. Clean plates all around.
Great dinner food love the atmosphere ......a go to spot!!
Whatever you order, it’s ready in record time. It’s fresh, it’s good and it’s plentiful. The staff is professional and friendly. I’ve been going for years and will continue to go!
Cute place. Really good food, especially the cake. Typical New Jersey attitude.
The new outdoor seating is great and aesthetically pleasing. As far as the food, its just diner food. The staff is always wonderful.
So delicious, highly recommend. Me and my mom go there almost every week just for there curly fries. They’re To die for.
This is a five in my surprised visit. I was on the road very hungry and desired to stop in any recommended restaurant near. I selected a Diner because I known they’ve good foodbat good price.I was surprised by the painting and unique decoration of the Oakland Diner. Definitely you can see it in the pictures. Service and Food was good as well. Area was clean and organized.
Typical Diner Atmosphere with a great staff. Friendly and patient. Food was great. Recommend you try it
Spouse loves the place. Quality and quantity are top notch here.
Great Twilight Zone themed art. Delicious food in large quantities. Wait staff was friendly and gave great service. The selection of foods is endless.
Excellent service inside and outside. Love it! Server was very attentive.
Great location, food and Twilight Zone decor. 4 of us had different entrees and we all loved them. Service was awesome
You are in a diner… with the scenery of a tropical paradise… in north Jersey. Somehow the combination just works, takes the experience off the beaten path. It helps that the service is cordial and prompt, and the food options are great, as they should be for an all-day diner.
First of all, Id like to say this place has excellent food with fast and friendly servers. However, one of the morning managers/hosts (wearing glasses) is very rude and condescending, especially if you ask to be seated outside! Does it seem that a simple request is too annoying and distracting for him from flirting with the young servers? Or, is it because we dont speak Spanish? So dont hiss or ugh at your customers.What a strange and bizarre behavior!
Best diner in the area which has many choices. Highly recommended.
Great service, good food. Really good food, actually - I had the French dip, and it was delicious. And the fries were perfect.
I am closer to the dinner in Waldwick usually and had made that my go to place. I havent been to the OD in almost two years. Having been out kayaking in the Oakland area I stopped there and was truly impressed with the outdoor covered seating and the atmosphere. Following that it was the quality of the food that stood out. It was obvious the food was fresh and noticably better quality. I will drive the extra 10 minutes from now on. The OD had won me over on every front.
Portions are large. Food was amazing. Cute little spot and they also serve spirits. Would recommend
Great food, huge selection, amazing murals inside and out with a lot of nostalgia
First time here in a while, but just as awesome as I remembered it. The French toast is AMAZING. Staff is very friendly and attentive. Cant wait to go back and try more!
Eggs I asked for well done they were not. Bacon will break your teeth.
Great food excellent service food was done in timely manner and they had a nice little ambiance outside with a tent and lights it was beautiful
We come here basically twice a week. My favorite spot. Always fresh food and efficient customer service!! Definitely recommend. Cook is great!
My daughter and her friends went to the diner to eat, the issue was the staff was very disrespectful to my daughter and her friends. I understand they are teenagers but to make comments such as “you need new friends” or “now they don’t want to pay a tip” is out right unprofessional. Even though there was five and the tip was included they were only a $1.00 short. I will make sure that family or friends never step foot again in a place where they criticize their customers.
Food is always amazing here! So many options! Great specials as well.
Sat in the outdoor patio (under awning ) and loved it .... Good food, drinks and service!Will definitely come again!
Have not been disappointed with the food in my many trips there. Crowded, but expected.
Gigantic menu selection! Very fast service! Fun and Interestingly decorated! Awesome hometown Diner!
Food and service was great. Make sure you go hungry. You get a lot.
What an absolutely wonderful spot. We had the best experience and the staff was amazing!!!!
L9ve this place! Good food, great service. Whats not to like?
Always good fresh and affordable food. Excellent waiters.
The Oakland Diner is a favorite of our family. When we moved here from Jersey City we were looking for new places to eat. The Oakland diner was the first place we went after we moved in. I have to say it is much better than the typical diner food that comes to mind when you think diner. The menu has many options for my family who don’t always agree on where to go eat. I love getting breakfast for dinner and their omelettes and bacon are out of this world. The waitresses are so friendly and remember who we are to this day. Thanks, Oakland diner!
Update after the review below, which was 3 months ago now. Experiencing similar issues. Side salad was a bunch of iceberg lettuce with one cherry tomato, one pepperoncini, and a tiny bit of cucumber, onion, and carrot. My Greek wrap was not dressed at all so it was just dry chicken and veggies wrapped up (very little flavor). This place is close, but I feel like Im gonna start taking the trek out to Pompton Queen now. Sorry Oakland. You guys raised your prices and lowered your quality.Been coming here regularly for over 7 years, but it feels like the quality is slipping. In this latest trip for takeout the dessert was jokingly small. Like so small I couldnt help but laugh, and the fact that there was a random pepper packet in the container didnt help. I ordered a whole wheat wrap, but it came on white. My wrap was supposed to have cheese, but it did not.
Food was good for dinner selection, service was fine, coffee was terrible.Newsmax on the television really should mean one star. thanks no thanks for the fascist propaganda yall.
Lots of parking fast service. Went for a pick up after calling ahead and didnt receive the soup we ordered
PROS: I always wanted to go to this diner since it has a tropical theme painted on the front of it. I went inside and it had 1940s-1960s pictures of tv shows and performers painted and/or hung on the walls. The menu had many options just like any diner would and the food tasted great.CONS: The food was a little overpriced and the majority of the employees there looked like they were in a bad mood. Not one person greeted us, smiled, asked how we were doing. Just felt cold.OVERALL: I would come back to this spot if I was in the area. The food and atmosphere was good, but the staff has to be a little more welcoming
Cool Huge outdoor patio and great service.
This place had wonderful food! I had a delicious bacon cheeseburger with caramelized onions, cheddar cheese and an avocado while my sister enjoyed Nutella strawberry banana and home fries. Food was good though the home fries didn’t have much peppers or onions, but were tasty nonetheless. Definitely would recommend if you’re hungry for a meal that’ll keep you full all day.
Was open all thru covid when others shut down so I will continue to support them. Always good food and nice people
Food is great, but it was so packed and it made me really uncomfortable eating in there. Tables are definitely not 6 feet apart. Definitely wont be coming back because of this
This is a very busy diner, because the food is excellent and the service very good. Pricing is moderate,and you get nice size portions. Highly recommended.
Great food worth every penny
Food is very tasty, always fresh.
Years ago I stopped eating at diners because the food just wasnt very tasty to me. My daughter really raved about Oakland Diner and took the family out to eat there. I gotta say I absolutely loved the food. Ive been there a couple of times and ordered different meals - everything is delicious. Definitely one of my favorite spots to eat now.
Breakfast at the diner as usual was very good I had one my favorite servers she is so nice and friendly very considerate Always a pleasure
We were regulars here for many years, after bowling on Friday. We got to know the owner well enough to call him our friend. Always made sure we were taken care of. Food is always good and theres plenty of it.
Good food, GREAT service!
Always a pleasure to dine there.
Fantastic as always! The outdoor indoor dining was warm and cozy. Fast and attentive service, food was great! A great diner.
I have been a loyal customer here for years but unfortunately my recent experience with the service made me change my 5 stars to 1 star. During breakfast at this diner, I ordered a garden omelet that came with a side hashbrowns. By the end of my meal I noticed that there was some bacon in my hashbrowns. In my faith I cannot eat bacon and to find it greatly upset me. I called for a waitress and I told her about it. She responded with let me tell her and told another waitress standing not too far from us about it and she said responded with oh well. And completely dismissed my issue. Since neither waitress did anything our server asked how we were doing and I told her about the bacon. This waitress also dismissed the issue saying that she could not do anything since I ate the meal. So I asked for the manager and she said that was her. Afterwards she slammed the check onto the table, asked us if we were paying cash or card, then did not come back. I was incredibly affronted by the situation as no one was willing to help me until I started asking around for the owner, and a lady seemingly related to him helped us out by taking the meal off the bill. If our server had just apologized and told us it wouldnt happen again, I would not have minded. Instead, I felt insulted as they mocked me when started to walk out.
Guess where we always look forward to going? It’s the Oakland Diner!It’s fun rolling 50’s theme that welcomes us when pulling up in our hotrod. Inside, we are greeted with lively art-painted walls and a display case filled with freshly baked cakes reminding us to leave room for dessert. More than just “not cooking tonight,” we enjoy taking part in the experience of the diner atmosphere.From burgers to seafood, platters are fresh and garnished. Their presentations are a delight to the eye. Fresh salads come out promptly and are provided with bread when asked. The burgers are huge and are impossible to fit in your mouth. Entrees are diverse, with daily specials to accommodate anyone’s mood. We quickly make friends with the attentive wait staff, who are always refreshing our drinks and providing amenities like extra napkins.Coffee is delish, and ask which cake popped out of the oven recently. The melt in your mouth creamy cheesecake is a high octane thumbs-up blowout available with many fresh fruit toppings- blueberry being our favorite!No, we are not relatives or fawning entourage of the owners! Instead, just a couple of Joe’s looking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner copious with quality where a good time is always expected as well. Just a side note: A fill-up station attached to an excellent store for lottery tickets is one door over.
Really good food which the biggest selection, almost too many choices!
Took them 25 min after we got in our seats to get our orders..Food wasnt good.First time there and my overall experience wasnt good.
Not a place for people with healthy eating habits…. No brown sugar, No other milks except regular (no almond milk), no fresh orange juice 😩
My family and I have been coming to this diner for 14 years. The morning staff is amazing, they are very attentive and incredibly friendly. The food is phenomenal and for a great price.Stopped in today for a birthday celebration this evening & there was only 2 parties (party of 2 & party of 3 from my view) in the diner so we figured wed eat and leave at a decent time. It took 10 mins for a server to even look at our table. We received a waitress who didnt state her name and we placed our whole order, drinks and food. We noticed that as more people started to show up they were attended upon arrival. We also ended up getting overcharged for incorrect sizes of beverages. Honestly this kind of did it for us, it was great for a long run.
This diner was really good. This is probably one of the best ones in the area. Was super impressed with their chipotle avocado burger and how much flavor they had in it. Will be coming back very soon. Thanks so much for the service guys and hopefully I will see yall very soon!
Good food fair price
New to the area and found our new go to spot. Saturday mornings are perfect with the family here.
I ordered online (so easy) from their website the food was ready when I got their and delicious. I have been their to eat several times I love their food I feel Like I am in a upscale reataurant in Manhattan I always want to peak in the kitchen and look at the chefs lol Anyhoot really nice family atmosphere super clean bathrooms Food is A++ Thanks for being the greatest and also offering the online ordering I am super busy and it makes it so easy to pick up and go. Best of luck to you guys
Plentiful good food and great service
My 1st time here. Best Ruben so far out of the diners around here.
Great food and helpful staff. Arrived a few minutes before closing, but still served my friends and I!
Only giving it two stars because the food is actually delicious but the customer service is terrible. Tonight was the 4th time in a row we have ordered take out and our order was incorrect. The first three times we had items missing from our order but we were charged for them. Now tonight we were given a completely wrong order. When we called we were placed on hold numerous times and at one point he forgot to hit mute and was saying that it was our fault. Not once were we apologized to or even offered to correct our order. Instead he kept placing us on hold and finally my husband told him just to give us our money back. Still no apology. Completely unprofessional as a business.
You wont be disappointed!
Great salads and good service
I usually love this place and their food is really good. However Im giving it 2 stars because the indoor dining is not safe at all and the tables are definitely not 6 feet apart. It was very packed there.
