JERSEY's MOST ICONIC DINER! Why is Tick Tock Diner So Famous?

When it comes to the best diner in New Jersey, everyone has an opinion. Some will say Tops Diner in East Newark is the best, but others will say Tick Tock Diner in Clifton, NJ reigns supreme. However, Tick Tock Diner is certainly the most iconic Diner in New Jersey and arguably the most iconic restaurant in New Jersey. It also has a case for being the most famous diner in New Jersey.
The most famous restaurant in New Jersey became such a legend that it actually opened up a famous Tick Tock Diner New York City location. However, in this video we visit the original Tick Tock Diner Clifton location, to see if it truly lives up to the hype.
Is Tick Tock Diner overrated? Or is Tick Tock Diner legit? These are the questions we will answer as we eat the Tick Tock Diner breakfast menu. We chow down on pancakes, sausage, bacon, taylor ham, also known as pork roll, and the famous Tick Tock Diner disco fries. We also eat the famous Tick Tock Diner Mick Jagger dish and see if its worthy of the name.
Wait and see if this place lives up to the hype!
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Restaurant Deets:
Tick Tock Diner NJ
281 Allwood Rd, Clifton, NJ 07012

[@itsnotme07]

I spent 2 years working in East Rutherford, NJ on the overnight shift. 3 12 hour shifts, Friday/Saturday/Sunday. Not a lot is open, at least back in the early 1990's. But the Tick Tock Diner...24 x 7 back then. Now, I wouldn't be able to enjoy a meal at Tick Tock during my shift as I'd go to lunch about 1 am. They are only open 7 am to 10 pm now. What a great diner! Their menu was ridiculously huge! My favorites are their Philly Cheese Steak and Tuna Club. Service back then, even at 1 am, was great! I don't miss working overnights, but do miss those lunches at the Tick Tock Diner!

[@cpt.waddledoo4645]

as a Clifton, NJ local, I can confidently say that Tick Tock Diner is incredibly mid. everybody in my town knows that the way better option is to go a mile or two down allwood road to the Allwood Diner and you’ll have a much better experience there.

[@warrenkatz1469]

Agreed ! The allwood is a better option.much more reasonable prices.

[@lionelraoul]

You hit the nail on the head.

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the rec! Always appreciate getting a local tip. I found Tick Tock Diner good compared to most average diners in NJ but no surprise there are better local options there

[@PogiboyProductions]

Agree with this sentiment

[@zilverheart]

I dont believe another diner can top this menu in same quality/price

[@alant.541]

Didn't know New Jersey was the diner capital of the world. "I got my food like Jagger" made me laugh! 😂 Thanks for the Tick Tock recommendation.

[@uaeats]

Yeah! Though sadly most of the diners are dying out as people move on to more diverse, healthier, and newer styles of cuisine. Glad you enjoyed my Tick Tock video haha

[@douglasdingwall1596]

During snowstorms, they usually have a reporter stationed there telling you not to go to work if you don't have to.

[@drtybrdy75]

Mick jagger usually goes here after playing meadowlands.

[@johnde2754]

Hey Bud, the crew over here just wanted to inform you that the pork roll at this diner isn't the "Taylor" brand. This unique flavor you experienced is a competitor called "CASE" pork roll. We believe but aren't entirely positive their manufacturing facility is in Trenton, NJ - Hope this helps Yo ! 👉. 🐷. 💯

[@uaeats]

Thanks for the clarification!

[@StephenGhigliotty]

My grandfather built and ran two diners on Long Beach Island, in south Jersey, so it is both sweet memories and good eats for me. The Barnegat Light diner is for sale after many years now. Great review!

[@joeanderson4508]

I lived down the street from the Tick Tock on Passaic Avenue 30 years ago, and have great memories of eating there with my Dad when he came to visit. At any NJ diner, I would usually stick to the basics, usually a beer and burger or breakfast, and was never disappointed. At the beginning of the video, there was a brief shot of the VIP in Jersey City, my other "hometown diner" during the 4 years I lived in NJ. I went crazy when I saw the VIP on a Sopranos episode - Christopher Moltisanti took his girlfriend there for a late night meal.

[@bran42]

Love that singing!! “Good like Jagger” 🤙🏽

[@uaeats]

Love me some karaoke!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

Can't wait to catch this episode! I just had a conversation about how we're losing all the old school diners, and the Kellogg's in Brooklyn went into bankruptcy last week. There's only one left by me from the 5 or 6 I grew up with in Queens. Gotta keep them going!

[@uaeats]

Yeah it's definitely a shame that as newer different kinds of American restaurants open the old-school diners are dying out along the way. Hope the good ones can manage to stick around!

[@ageoflove1980]

I had some great experiences at the Court Square diner on Jackson in Long Island City.

[@NZKiwi87]

I really enjoyed this, thank you 😊

[@tony-ce7qp]

great video for all of us again i love it!

[@uaeats]

Glad you liked the vid!

[@andylee3114]

Recently I've been considering the number of diners as a factor in whether I want to travel somewhere. Good to know NJ has a lot. I might visit Atlantic City, I see they have a bunch there that look easy to get to. I liked the diners in Pittsburgh too, around the Strip.

[@tompaciga7386]

Did you miss the ham under the pancakes? 😮

[@uaeats]

Oh shoot I did!

[@tompaciga7386]

@@uaeats HaHa 😄

[@jbates237]

I knew you had a bit of a South Jerz accent. That must also explain the random Eagles gear in some vids. Anyway, looks like a nice spot. Yes its Pork Roll and the Disco Fries seem different depending on locality. Anyway cool vids, great reviews and #gobirds

[@KLee-Canada]

Great idea! I can't wait to see your review!!

[@uaeats]

Hope people enjoy this one!

[@KLee-Canada]

@@uaeats Another great review!! When I was in NYC, work colleagues would rave about disco fries.

[@xxx-fn5so]

Keep it going lover ur content.

[@Herbie-Went-Bananas-Then-Split]

As I'm here in the UK, it's great to be able to catch your video, UA.

[@uaeats]

Glad you were able to join!

[@tvlife19]

I love your videos! You are so cute, friendly, and funny. Much love from here in Vietnam!

[@eugenekillian8807]

Haha I was at the 2019 Stones concert at MetLife when Mick touted the Tick Tock. It’s a very good diner.

[@uaeats]

Cool! How was the concert?

[@eugenekillian8807]

@@uaeats Amazing! Mick does not age.

[@DavidLLambertmobile]

​@@eugenekillian8807 MJ was at Orlando, Orlando.gov 06/03/2024 a few weeks ago.

[@alainlalonde]

UA - You missed the ham on the Grand Slam! The bacon looked like fire! :) Also, that said, the Mick Jagger looked absolutely epic. One thing I do, and I'll get roasted for this. Those disco fries could have used a little side of ketchup and pepper... There, I said it. :P

[@TheLordAI]

U ought to try Tops diner in East Newark

[@therealgumby2937]

That was great singing! What a hidden talent!

[@uaeats]

Really? Thanks!

[@frankcarone3769]

great review ,i like your site

[@uaeats]

Thanks!

[@janlange626]

Great video. Greetings from Germany

[@FrancisYator-kv3sb]

Great review as always UA, but I'm a little surprised to hear a foodie like you refer to Mrs, Butterworth's pancake syrup as maple syrup. That stuff is just chemicals, coloring and sugar water. The wife and I always take little bottles of real maple syrup when we eat out. It makes a world of difference.

[@uaeats]

Ah I have a bad habit of calling any syrup paired with pancakes maple syrup. Yes I'm aware Mrs. Butterworth is as generic as it gets and I shouldn't add "maple" in front of it

[@bigmacdaddy1234]

Please do a review of The Pit in Edgewater NJ. Best ribs around.

[@clubmogambo3214]

Agreed on both counts. UA always gives a fair, honest review and does so in a homey style, never sounding uppity or snooty with his reviews. But I also agree about referring to Mrs. Butteryuck as maple syrup. When I know I'm going to have pancakes in a restaurant, I take no chances by always bringing true maple syrup with me.

[@BlowinFree]

Great video, love the singing, , you should do it more 👏🏻💯

[@uaeats]

Thanks!

[@chanimus4717]

good job bro keep it up

[@joshualaird5303]

I hope that big old hair on your fries got you a hefty discount

[@uaeats]

Was it there?

[@wayneguy6043]

It did look like a grey hair…..

[@mistergrendel32]

@@wayneguy6043I didn’t see any hair.

[@jenniferfrank1652]

Love your style.

[@mitchy73]

pancakes probably would get better if you would put the syrup on them along with the butter

[@tony-ce7qp]

love old time dinners.....and this one the food is good!

[@uaeats]

I really enjoyed it and the portions were huge!

[@2Wheels_NYC]

I love! I grew up with diners as my go-to, and most are now gone. Even in my neighborhood in Queens, one closed a few weeks ago. I have only 1 left, and I hope it holds out. The history and nostalgia that accompanies these places is amazing. Gotta say, I've had some drunk nights that were finished with disco fries and brown gravy! Their music sounds good, too.... Sussudio and Longest Time in there. I know you can't play it, but people will appreciate knowing there's good music. I grew up with the nickle jukebox at every booth in a diner! As always, another great review, and thanks for the memories!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for sharing your memories! Yeah where I grew up in South Jersey most of the diners have closed down in my town. Great restaurants have opened in their place but it is a bit sad

[@zilverheart]

Why many closed down, this ispost pandemic

[@Jaykilla1981]

Hi. I live in Queens and often ride my motorcycle to diners. Yes a number of great diners have shutdown in recent times. Which one closed last? I used to love Seven Seas in long Island. They closed recently.

[@2Wheels_NYC]

@@Jaykilla1981 Same my friend. Stay safe on the bike! What do you ride?

[@Jaykilla1981]

@@2Wheels_NYC Yes ride safe! I have a Zero FXS. It's electric. Top is 85mph. 0 to 60 in 4 seconds. I love it. No heat, no tuneups. At 60mph I get about 35 miles. City riding I get about 60 miles.

[@seanmcateer9506]

Taylor Ham is a brand. You are right. It's Pork Roll. Cool show🤙. When I visit my fam. I'll definitely check it out. My family is in Spotswood, East Brunswick and Toms River🤙

[@michaelgallone7409]

Taylor ham butternuts

[@tearsforfearsfan2]

4:07, that's definitely a hair on the fries in the bottom right corner.

[@matthewread79]

I saw that too. How can he miss it

[@uaeats]

Whoa I did not see that at all

[@patrickwong4824]

The reasonable prices are highly subjective. As for real maple syrup, most restaurants have a surcharge for the real stuff, around $2 for 3oz. That is why when I do pancakes and French toast, it is done at home.

[@uaeats]

I thought for the size of the portions the prices were very fair, though I can't speak to the lunch items. I will say though that prices have gotten really high lately in general in North Jersey and NYC. Also I have a bad habit of saying "maple syrup" when referring to any syrup paired with pancakes, my mistake.

[@PatriciaRoggero]

Yumm your videos are great

[@uaeats]

Thanks! Glad you enjoy them!

[@loriegonta3622]

you need to try real poutine. Quebec curds and gravy on fries...totally awesome...Canadian here..

[@RC30018]

Yeah Vancouverite here this is not even close to real Poutine like we have here

[@mysteriesuntold3393]

Wow I know this diner I remember going here once more then ten years ago when I worked a few blocks away glad to see there still around

[@uaeats]

Yeah I hear most people from North Jersey have been at least 1-2 times

[@tested123]

what a great diner! maybe you can go back and try something else in the future. i watched this while hungry so my lunch is gonna be insane.

[@uaeats]

I definitely want to return and try something for lunch sometime. Hope your lunch was as epic as predicted!

[@darrenmazzei3791]

Try throwing on jalapeño jelly to a pork roll egg and cheese sandwich. It’s awesome

[@uaeats]

That does sound good!

[@johngiblin9867]

The TikTok diner!

[@alisachamoy225]

I've been to the location in NYC and it's actually pretty good - and the prices are really VERY competitive for NYC prices.

[@waynemiller6555]

I’m waiting for when you will do a review of a Polish restaurant in Brooklyn.

[@uaeats]

Good idea!

[@michaelbeniquez5778]

Shoutout to Chit Chat Diner in West Orange for serving real maple syrup with all breakfast orders

[@uaeats]

Wow that sounds awesome!

[@user-up9iq7ic8z]

Grew up in Berlin [ Outside Chery Hill ] and since Moving to Nags Head N.C. 30 Plus Years ago really MISS a great Diner.

[@uaeats]

Nice! A fellow South Jersey native! No diners in NC?

[@user-up9iq7ic8z]

No nothing like S.Jersey or Philly...

[@jasonneely4412]

I’m a south Jersey guy myself. And like you said were the diner capital. My last count there was 527 in Jersey. And I’ve been to half. If you travel from the south to north on 47 you’ll hit a lot of great ones.

[@uaeats]

Cool! I would hit them all up if I could

[@moboutmen]

Shore Diner on Tilton Road in Egg Harbor Township near Atlantic City. Great Lamb Chops. Harbor Diner on White Horse Pike in Egg Harbor. Best soups.

[@theprettyanxiouskoko6876]

Get some ketchup on that thang...

[@Jaykilla1981]

Hi UA! I have eaten at Tic Toc Diner several times. It was always excellent! The coffee is delicious. The salads are excellent. Their tuna is fantastic too. My one complaint is that nothing can be substituted for fries! For example if you get a tuna wrap but say no fries, you still pay the same price and if you order a side of veggies you pay the full side price. Shouldn't there be a lower price if the side is instead of fries? I began ordering salads to avoid the fry issue. But otherwise it is an excellent diner! I personally prefer diners to other kinds of restaurants for a number of reasons. Pricing is not an issue for me.

[@elroyvanderley6460]

New Jersey version of Poutine :D. Looks so tasty!

[@phonedave]

Years (decades) ago I would get disco fries and coffee when coming home from a late night out. The diner I used to frequent (Cedar Lane Grill, now gone) would serve the gravy in a coffee cup on the side. I drink coffee with milk. Many times I dipped my fries in coffee or took a nice slug of gravy.

[@uaeats]

Very tasty!

[@Aussieman997]

If you can find out where they buy their Taylor Ham, you can make your own Mick Jagger Sandwich….

[@sandeepsreekumar5451]

UA can you please do a video on a pork roll as you are from south jersey ! Please

[@uaeats]

Good idea!

[@countalucard4226]

The best pancakes I’ve eaten are ones I get anywhere I have them in Las Vegas. Maybe it has something to do with the low humidity but they are great anyplace you eat them in L.V.

[@matthewelliott2213]

You're now the Jedi of buttering one-handed!

[@uaeats]

I have a high midichlorian count

[@dannythemedic]

makes sense!

[@mape52]

Come on down in Montreal!! for the Poutine UA!!

[@uaeats]

I'll head up to Montreal sometime! It's definitely on my list!

[@tartuffethespry]

Ugghhh there is a big hair on the bottom of the fries @4:08

[@uaeats]

Yikes! I didn't see it at the time. I wonder if it's actually something else and just a bad angle?

[@tartuffethespry]

@@uaeats Best case it's clothing fiber, but 99% it's a hair. No optical illusion I'm afraid.

[@uaeats]

@@tartuffethespry Good thing I didn't eat it haha

[@wisewayne45]

Welcome to North Jersey 😎

[@huikh2r]

prices have been doubled

[@24theMoney]

That pancake plate is average at best. To pay $16, you got ripped brotha.

[@citrine65]

I prefer eggs on a separate dish from pancakes. Runny eggs ruin the pancakes for me. Prices seem high to me. Except the eggs with home fries, that was reasonable.

[@yoandreee]

was that a piece of grey hair on the fries?

[@J.Artan6]

Riveredge diner a couple miles north is the real spot.

[@faithnelson6069]

the grand slam was a bit high, especially since they don't even provide real maple syrup. the mick jagger seemed a fair value though.

[@kuanged]

Ah you're up in Clifton this time. Tick tock is great. It's famous for the Sopranos. I wonder if they still serve disco fries there. Enjoy your meal UA.

[@uaeats]

The do still have disco fries! I ordered some in the vid

[@kuanged]

@@uaeats Brings me back to my college days. Cheers!

[@stephenthomas8648]

Heart Attack on a plate 😆😉.

[@peterb5464]

That is one expensive pork roll, egg and cheese sandwich with some fries…..

[@Rob901]

Taylor ham is like spiced or chopped ham not bologna . Taylor brand is best but Case is OK. Classic diner . I remember when Mick Jagger was there

[@baruchbenyaakov]

In Philly it’s called “Taylor Pork Roll”.

[@johnkovalicky3389]

Great review as always however I'm a Clifton native born and raised been out of the area since 98 now in Los Angeles glad to see the tiktok is still there but it's nothing like it used to be back in the hay day obviously not owned by Greeks anymore which the majority of New Jersey diners are they just know how to do it those Disco Fries were horrible the cheese wasn't even melt it and the Taylor ham egg and cheese sandwich not to get into that big debate between North and South Jersey with pork roll Taylor Ham conflict and the prices on the menu yikes the pancakes were definitely forgettable there are way better diners than the tick tock anyhow you should consider doing a comparison video of the famous hot Grill in Clifton compare to rutt's Hut that should be a good one for you to do Texas weiners hot dogs all the way !!

[@uaeats]

Thanks for sharing your thoughts as a Clifton native! Yeah I'm hearing consistently that Tick Tock has declined in quality but as an outsider I still enjoyed it. A hot dog vid is a good idea!

[@findingpeacedailyfpd6064]

Pork roll and disco fries " you make a grown man cry" give Skylark in Edison a shot the lounge gets a little lively at nite with drink specials , Lunch or dinner shrimp and scallops and a Cuban sandwich with fries. Edison dinner right up the street breakfast good portions and price. 💜

[@uaeats]

Good rec! I hear Edison is a great spot for food in general

[@findingpeacedailyfpd6064]

@@uaeats tastee sub iconic joint. White rose slider heaven. Yeah it's got some gems fer nj. 🌀

[@waynepreston542]

UA wasn't there a piece of ham under the pancakes? I think you missed that on the review.

[@uaeats]

I did... Oops!

[@24theMoney]

That's pork roll is something I can make at home for like $2.

[@popcorncakes]

Was there a hair in the French fries?

[@ignatiusjk]

Was this restaurant in the movie Goodfella's.

[@NoahEats]

Diners have so many items on their menus. But greek Diners usually give alot more

[@uaeats]

True. Gotta love those Greek diners!

[@jerzeegrl1693]

Chit Chat Diner in Hackensack is the best. It's Taylor ham no aka

[@wayneguy6043]

$9 for fries!

[@jimleung1300]

I went to the one by 34th. Is that the same?

[@matthewread79]

I wonder this too or if they are the same owners

[@uaeats]

It is a second branch but the Clinton, NJ location is the original location

[@phyush355]

Disco Fries Arwood got you pumped a frozen french fries with laid-out cheese on top come on kids step your game up it's okay to trash a little bit

[@DKLIMOMAN]

It went downhill a long time ago. Not the Tick Tock that many knew growing up in the 70’s, 80’s 90’s and then uhh oh 😣😖😫

[@gophishn]

Disco fries 13$$$ Holy Shit! That is pricey!

[@uaeats]

Not sure how large the portion is. The ones that came with my dish though were a very large portion

[@jaytall1]

I like UA's context and some of his reviews but I am having difficult watching more. Every new food, he closes his eyes tightly, chews frenetically and says "Ummm" and then "Aww" . You need a little more food reactions to make me want to watch more than 3 videos.

[@echardcore]

Maple syrup comes from a tree. Aunt Jamimah and Log Cabin does not.

[@Lawomenshoops]

In Baltimore fries and brown gravy has been around forever!

[@tested123]

fries and gravy has always been a thing here in toronto as well. way before poutine.

[@uaeats]

Sounds delicious!

[@athenaemmanouilidis1291]

I never eat pancakes without real maple syrup

[@uaeats]

A great policy to have in life

[@wongjefx980]

I heard Tops was the famous one in NJ?

[@josepherhardt164]

4:19 OMG, my arteries are whimpering just looking at this! :) "prices really reasonable" I think I'm just visiting this plane of existence. I think UA just blew $35 (including tax, and before tip) in this place.

[@uaeats]

Ah well the prices are not cheap but I think for the huge portion it's worth it. I can't speak to the lunch items though. I've haven't tried them, though I will say they do look pricey...

[@yaowsers77]

You know it's a diner not owned by Greeks when the sausage isn't the fat links. I love diner food. Americana diner has steak fries which are my favorite.

[@uaeats]

Yeah the sausages were quite disappointing

[@1986graceland]

No mention of Goodfellas 🤔

[@uaeats]

Were they in Goodfellas or Sopranos?

[@flydude1063]

I personally find it a big turn off that the syrup came in those little pre-packaged containers. A real diner should serve syrup in a big ol' glass bottle.

[@uaeats]

True, though I've found it's not uncommon for a lot of diners to use cheap condiments

[@petergoldberg6293]

It will be disappointing for sure. Much smaller menu than they used to have. Prices are too high

[@uaeats]

I've never been before a few weeks ago so I'm not familiar with how it was before. I thought the prices, while not low, were reasonable for the portion sizes and for the NYC/North Jersey area

[@petergoldberg6293]

@@uaeats ok I went there when it was the older owners the original owners and I liked it much better. I went with the new owners one cent was unhappy with the quality and quantity of the food and the price

[@theprettyanxiouskoko6876]

Cracker Barrel got the best pancakes...

[@uaeats]

Oh man I love cracker barrel

[@traitor181]

Go alil farther down and hit up Rutt's Hut

[@chrisbsworld6634]

BRO…. YOU NEED TO DO A COLAB WITH A HOT GIRL

[@tested123]

an afternooner?

[@uaeats]

Yep! I'm experimenting with different posting times

[@nickmastro6870]

A little expensive dont you think?

[@petergoldberg6293]

Not really that expensive for what he got. I know some places that will charge $10 for two eggs toast and potatoes. Then add on another four dollars for bacon

[@nickmastro6870]

@@petergoldberg6293 His order was on the low end, a lot of the sandwiches and stuff seemed a bit much when he was doing the menu overview

[@petergoldberg6293]

@@nickmastro6870 Yes some of the other items seem overpriced. But he got seemed like a OK price not a good price but not a inflated price

[@uaeats]

@@petergoldberg6293 Agreed, I can't speak to the lunch items, but I thought the breakfast items were fairly priced considering the large portion size. Tasty too.

[@usd500]

Food looks subpar like any diner food

[@jackfrost-fu7hz]

For the price they should give you real syrup, Mrs. Butterworth is crap, the first two ingredients are high fructose corn syrup and corn syrup

[@uaeats]

The portion was very large so I still thought it was a fair price. But yes the syrup was lame quality. Not unusual for diners though

[@theprettyanxiouskoko6876]

It's pork roll 100%...Taylor ham is for wasps!...

[@uaeats]

hahaha

[@LibertyOrBust]

Expensive. Better to eat at home.