As a NJ native who's been going to Tops since the old building (it was smaller and part of the old parking lot), when he said it was packed I had to laugh. Tops on a Sat night is full on chaos lol Great spot still and really cool to see you here in our local spot. Keep up the great videos!
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Wow, sounds like I went at a relatively off-peak time!
@TrainsFerriesFeet8 ай бұрын
I love diners late on Saturday nights.
@skizztrizz44537 ай бұрын
Leaving the clubs on Saturday night. "Where y'all going?" "You already know" 😂🤣
@user-ri5vf8jy9j10 ай бұрын
I really like how you do very detailed reviews and show the plusses and minuses. So many reviewers just rave about everything
@tinasmith672010 ай бұрын
Hey UA! Thank you for all of the NJ posts! I'm from Nj and moved so the nostalgia is real❤
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Of course! Just trying to review some local eats
@tigerpinky10 ай бұрын
I love Diners! I worked in one for years. The food did look like 'hit & miss' but the east coast prices just floor me. Your waiter , only being there 2 weeks does not sound like he has tried enough of the food to recommend anything. Like someone else note, I was surprised they gave you a four top in such a peak time.
@christophersantiago68459 ай бұрын
At least the waiter was honest. He could've just said, yeah, they're really good.
@skizztrizz44537 ай бұрын
Tops is an exception when it comes to Jersey diner prices. 🤔
@ramencurry66723 ай бұрын
Diners can be fun but usually it’s not the best foods. To me it’s more about the American experience
@MrBluesilverred10 ай бұрын
The look on your face after the first bite of the burger was priceless!!
@rhondaabugg305Күн бұрын
I go to Tops frequently and love it. My favorite dishes are chicken & waffles and the Shanghai steak bowl. The bowl is loaded with steak bites over lo mein noodles spiced with ginger, toasted sesame oil (and other seasonings I haven't been able to identify), bell & mild chile peppers, scallions, and mushrooms. It's delicious. I love Tops.
@sfguy_2k2210 ай бұрын
Superman's diner revenge scene is my favorite in Superman 2 movie.
@Violet-fj8yd10 ай бұрын
Looks like a frozen pattie, you are right. I personally would never order Italian food in a diner.
@BlackJesus846310 ай бұрын
Come on man.
@jonsher768210 ай бұрын
Tony Soprano tried to order diner fare in a diners and was never seen again. So there’s that.
@joeychick9045Ай бұрын
Facts. Absolutely never
@andrewlawson490110 ай бұрын
I am actually surprised that they give you a table for 4 during peak hours. Great review!
@thelmaharper854510 ай бұрын
Tops Diner is always busy no matter what time of the day that you go. The cheesecake is sooooooo delicious. Grew up in the area back in the “ old days “ French fries and gravy.
@ramencurry66723 ай бұрын
He didn’t really like it but was polite about it
@chansoopark995310 ай бұрын
UA you on your way of becoming a star. Keep it up and keep posting these videos. Algorithm will eventually take you to the next level. Be consistent.
@Violet-fj8yd10 ай бұрын
Overpriced but the chicken did look good. And the leg is my favorite too. Very nice videos, I'm a fan!
@JBT4288410 ай бұрын
UA that is not medium well. That is rare!
@johnkovalicky338910 ай бұрын
Tell me about it that's what happens when they use frozen patties and not fresh chop meat that place should be ashamed of itself charging 20 bucks😢
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Ah yes sorry I misspoke. I meant to say it's medium rare. Good catch
@Zabestinzawest10 ай бұрын
Be careful with the frozen “unknown” patties. Only eat M-rear where it’s known to be fresh and good quality
@johnkovalicky338910 ай бұрын
@@Zabestinzawest tell me about it any joint that serves you a frozen patty should be ashamed and for that price really
@rgruenhaus6 ай бұрын
@@uaeatsYou always get Medium rare!
@kevcow92310 ай бұрын
Always love your reviews UA - no one 'hand cuts' matchstick fries like that, it would be way too time consuming; this doesn't mean they don't cut them in house, however. They could use a robotcoup (food processor) or a press to cut their fries, just FYI you should rephrase that question to the kitchen next time you want to ask that question. They might not be hand cut, but they're likely house made.
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Good point! I'll keep this in mind for next time
@lamesbond007710 ай бұрын
I believe 'hand-cut' refers to fresh. its like another way of saying, fresh not frozen. But I'm not trying to put words in UAs mouth
@drothberg310 ай бұрын
It would never occur to me to get pasta at a diner. The burger is standard diner food, but it’s going to be a decent burger at a diner, not an exceptional one. I usually go with omelette, grilled cheese, a sandwich, maybe fried chicken. Although, when I was growing up in NJ, we often ordered fish and it was very good. I don’t know that I’d do that anymore.
@vissitorsteve10 ай бұрын
I agree...A perfect waffle needs not to be so entirely crispy, but to have some air, if that makes any sense. Thanks again for yet another honest review.
@ramencurry66723 ай бұрын
What you’re trying to say is better balance of crust and air
@wayfarereins10 ай бұрын
re: the brunch cocktails, tell me you've never been to a brunch spot without telling me you've never been to a brunch spot
@brandoncarpenter968110 ай бұрын
Lmao at your door scene, one of KZbin’s foods most dry funny moments
@yaowsers7710 ай бұрын
oh ua. you should know better as a nj-ian that you can't go to a diner on a sunday morning/lunchtime without it being mobbed!
@Bert_Wayfarer10 ай бұрын
The combo honey chicken with the waffle is always an interesting way to try to balance sweet and savory. I guess thats why they wanted to cut the seasoning of the chicken to not overpower the whole meal (or its just not flavored enough xD)
@tested12310 ай бұрын
i tuned in late so im watchin while im eating. perfect
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Nice! Sounds like a good time
@tycimaglio922210 ай бұрын
As someone who grew up in the south and just moved to New Jersey a month ago, I can attest Tops Diner's Chicken & Waffles is the real deal - definitely some of the best I've had and yes, you are 100% supposed to combine them and eat everything together - at least that's how it's intended. Tops puts them on separate plates to make it easier to cut them and assemble a good bite. Though I get the sweet and savory combo is not up everyone's alley, Chicken & Waffles is easily one of my favorite dishes and Tops does it better than most!
@2Wheels_NYC10 ай бұрын
As always, an excellent review sir! Where I grew up, and still live in Queens, there were at least 5 diners. Only 1 still exists. Sad. That fried chicken looks spectacular, and I ❤ MSG! The burger looks great, too... Shame to hear it wasn't all there. You're one of my top favorite content creators, Here Be Barr is another. Search his "Bayside" episode, I'm the tour guide, and we touch on diners.
@GlobalNotes10 ай бұрын
I agree with everything you just said. With that, Topps is the best diner. The only diner I wouldn't be scared to oder seafood/fish.
@johnferreira749810 ай бұрын
Before even watching I will tell you that this place is super expensive. I live nearby.
@paullawson283010 ай бұрын
How expensive is expensive? That is a relative term.. your expensive may not be mine or vice versa..
@johnferreira749810 ай бұрын
@@paullawson2830 breakfast for 4 is $100
@pwba31210 ай бұрын
20 bucks for a cheeseburger is expensive no matter what you think is expensive
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
I think the portions were generally large so the high prices made sense, but I do think the burger was overpriced
@johnferreira749810 ай бұрын
@pwba312 throw in a drink and tip its easily $30
@yaowsers7710 ай бұрын
i love americana diner. they have steak fries! all seasons diner is also really good. these are in shrewsbury and eatontown in monmouth county. i usually go to the one closest to me which has good food for what i get and it's called blue swan diner in ocean twp. if i want a scrambled eggs, cheese, bacon on white bread, i go to the hungry hobo in west long branch.
@jtam7010 ай бұрын
If I go to a diner, a patty melt is a safe choice or a breakfast skillet. That chicken did look good and the portion size was huge!
@paulconnors20786 ай бұрын
Diner food in NJ ALWAYS has HUGE portions. As I get older, I often find the portion sizes intimidating and even off-putting, to the point that many times, I cannot finish what's on the plate.
@paulerxx3 ай бұрын
Get a to go box and save it for later.
@mazieferreira77574 ай бұрын
I had the chicken and waffles and the cheeseburger - all very delicious 😋 You should have ordered a milkshake to go with the burger. Tops has been around for a long time and is rated best diner in NJ for a very good reason.
@WerdyA10 ай бұрын
You should try tasting and rating the best Hotdogs in the New York / New Jersey region.
@jonsher768210 ай бұрын
Walter’s hotdogs in Mamaroneck, NY
@catherinec896010 ай бұрын
Tops has really gone downhill since the renovation. Way to expensive now and the food is slipping. The Diner actually has a DJ. Makeup your mind. Diner or Nightclub.
@vincentcalvelli645210 ай бұрын
UA thanks for the honest review
@fayadmunaim365010 ай бұрын
Would have been nice to see you judge the diner steaks
@LibertyOrBust10 ай бұрын
Good thought for future vids! Haha
@user-xb3wz3hw3p10 ай бұрын
That pasta looks really good
@pvoss0710 ай бұрын
I used to love Tops when I went to Rutgers Law School - great portions, great prices, great service!
@sunnydays123810 ай бұрын
More nj videos! Love this
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Lots of good options in NJ!
@paulroberts82610 ай бұрын
Very surprised at the low quality burger. Most NJ diners have great burgers. Most are not double thin patties but one thick one and typically good quality meat. For a place as upscale as this, shame on them...
@waynepreston54210 ай бұрын
I suspect Tops has lost its mojo since they have gotten so much press the last few years. Burger and pasta looked like average diner food at a premium price.
@nathanielkamer977010 ай бұрын
i love Tops! i used to go there all the time when i worked for United and loved that it was next to a cement factory - so Jersey!
@ChetDonnelly198510 ай бұрын
Congrats on 30K subscribers your video's are awesome UA thanks for keeping it real with the reviews and the food looked good I would have passed on the burger and went with an omelette instead and the Alfredo what can I say...... oh well on that one😕😕😕😕we'll catch you on the next video .😋😋😋😋
@3Elcid7 ай бұрын
Very affordable diner ! Large portions of crunchy Fried Chicken 🐔with Waffles and stuffed full hamburger ! Delicious 😋!
@GStoreDownloads-jz8ys10 ай бұрын
Enjoy your videos. Please choose a different jingle. The silent era soundtrack is staring to get old. Pun intended.
@bigvito6910 ай бұрын
Jingle these pal
@WilliamKShank10 ай бұрын
Thanks for the video. Safe Journey! CHOLULA!!!
@brandonperlow909110 ай бұрын
You should have reviewed their cheesecakes. They have a huge baking operation.
@rachicoonka10 ай бұрын
Chit Chat Diner in West Orange is the #1 Diner, for people that know
@user-rv8lg5oc6w11 күн бұрын
You have to be kidding That place is so overpriced with total mediocre food.
@SparkzMxzXZ10 ай бұрын
It looks like such a nice day out! Lovely review as always; your personality really shines through all your videos. If i had just one feedback, it’s that the music can be a bit distracting. I like it since it’s something i associate with your videos but it’s just a little loud
@finstor33869 ай бұрын
LOL i grew up about 5 blocks from TIck Tock Diner, that you showed in the begining.. I eat 2 things at diners, breakfast or a club sandwhich thats it.
@patu198910 ай бұрын
That waffle looked dry as hell to me 🧐
@annehajdu86545 ай бұрын
Where was the syrup?
@deepalmer3960Ай бұрын
The last time i got waffles, they were burnt and dry as hell.
@kirkdavis288110 ай бұрын
Diners are overrated....from a Jersey native
@FrancisYator-kv3sb10 ай бұрын
Congratulations on 30K subscribers UA! Keep it up and you can eat for a living.
@nadtz7 ай бұрын
Wow, I've been there (grew up in NY) and the new building looks way different. If you think that was packed you should see it when it's really busy.
@AKhan.288 ай бұрын
You should totally mix chicken and waffles... and smother the hot honey over it. Delicious
@hugrad958 ай бұрын
I always go with either breakfast or grilled chicken sandwich or a burger
@jeffhatmaker81717 күн бұрын
Good video, UA. Sorry, but I don't see the infatuation with chicken and waffles. I generally can't stand sweet food with my main course, especially meat. It baffles me
@rationalcapitalist10 ай бұрын
I'm not a huge fan of diner food, but Cranford Station House in Cranford NJ is really good. Their chicken soup, steak quesadillas, pancakes, chicken and waffles, and sandwiches are all worth trying.
@kade_kam_dad10 ай бұрын
“Goodburger” one of my favorite movies. 😂
@thepatester10 ай бұрын
@2:36 "you always have to get coffee at an American diner" Not me! I don't like coffee! haha
@BrandonPenson7 ай бұрын
LOVE Chicken & Waffles! That looks SO GOOD! 😋🍗🧇
@alant.54110 ай бұрын
I've got to make a trip to New Jersey. I really like comfort food. "Medium well?" I think I heard your burger moo-ing! 🐄 Thank you for a great diner review.
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Yes you're right. I misspoke. My mistake!
@vanessagizelledelrio890210 ай бұрын
UA, I take watching your food and drink videos very seriously. THANK YOU for letting me know where to and where not to dine. 😅
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
What was your conclusion on this spot?
@ageoflove198010 ай бұрын
I dont know but so many of these places you show seem like a terrible experience just because of how crowded they are. Probably these days with social media, when a place gets some good press, people flock to it like bees to a hive. They sort of become the victim of their own succes, because no matter how good the food at a place is, the experience is half the fun. And this place is just way too big and crowded to have that "diner vibe" if you like and in the end its still just diner food.
@sheriffjohnson58910 ай бұрын
A good diner in New Jersey can get very crowed. Tops isn't the best to me but but carries the same vibes ....to me😊
@ageoflove198010 ай бұрын
@@sheriffjohnson589 Alright, sure, ive never been, maybe its better in person. But it seems more like a "diner themed" very busy (and expensive) restaurant to me in this video.
@andrewlawson490110 ай бұрын
Keep in mind that he said it was filmed on a Sunday morning brunch. Many places are jam packed with friends and families at that peak day and time
@thomasliu-shao590910 ай бұрын
Can you review Broadway Diner in Bayonne?
@splinky9910 ай бұрын
Gotta love the architecture!
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
It was definitely a beautiful building!
@jimsadak526410 ай бұрын
Thanks for an “honest” review!
@user-xb3wz3hw3p10 ай бұрын
I feel bad eating Banquet fried chicken from the supermarket.
@asdasdasddgdgdfgdg10 ай бұрын
Very beautiful architecture, especially the interior.
@Cultureking_2310 ай бұрын
You have no idea how that coffee tastes with that much milk in it 😂
@mrmonty8610 ай бұрын
Why do people ask waitpersons if they've tried the food? I hate to break the news to you, but if you make minimum wage, you ain't trying shit. Unless you work at McDonalds or KFC.
@BlackJesus846310 ай бұрын
What if it was good though.
@steveo383110 ай бұрын
I believe he asked if the Burgers were pretty good…not if he had tried it. Anyway, when I ask for recommendations or opinions I always ask for a consensus, if possible. I am not interested in one sole server’s personal experience. What do people order? What are the reviews? Typically they don’t know but it’s important to ask those questions.
@BlackJesus846310 ай бұрын
Fried chicken always a winner. 👍
@jeffgordon21999 ай бұрын
Best diner Visited on Tuesday Higher prices but great quality and service
@pandapoo500210 ай бұрын
Did someone say "Chinese person" at 1:24 to 1:26 mark?
@FromTrishA10 ай бұрын
More like medium RARE! 😊
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
Oops! I misspoke. Yes I meant to say medium rare
@irishspagetti656524 күн бұрын
A diner should be comfortable and you should be able to eat and chill without feeling rushed
@williamminehan441610 ай бұрын
Diner food can be very interesting. It’s usually hit or miss.
@Zamiroh10 ай бұрын
That chicken was looking pretty good! I love some legit crispy chicken.
@uaeats10 ай бұрын
I recommend it!
@rolig35189 ай бұрын
UA have you been to Hobby's Deli in Newark. Brisket and Pastrami.
@adidasx4510 ай бұрын
Need to learn to filter server recommendations - the dude was there for 2 weeks and recommended the most basic pasta dish, should’ve been a signal to make an independent call
@danielpasqualone462810 ай бұрын
Short Rib grilled cheese is amazing there - breakfast is great too.
@whodidit998 ай бұрын
You are the most honest food reviewer on KZbin. Keep the videos coming. I'm in So Cal, so really liked your reviews of local places.
@Ronnie278710 ай бұрын
I bet the restaurant seater was a fan of the channel and hooked you up with the extra table real estate. That’s what im gonna tell myself anyways lol.
@captainmo306410 ай бұрын
A diner should be able to do a fresh burger. In my opinion living on Long Island for 40 years there are VERY FEW that use fresh burgers. I have also been to over 20 diners in NJ as well. It's extremely disappointing. One spot that has fantastic in house blend burgers is Taby's Burger House in Oyster Bay. You will be impressed.
@luvtravel292710 ай бұрын
So expensive wow
@tony-ce7qp10 ай бұрын
great review!
@erickelly539510 ай бұрын
$20 for a burger and fries at a diner???
@BlackJesus846310 ай бұрын
in Jersey tho
@masonloh141110 ай бұрын
UA- Try Country pancake house Ridgewood , NJ next time in n.j.
@bb5736510 ай бұрын
Burger looks like the star. Bet the patty melt is epic. 🍔
@joeychick9045Ай бұрын
Tell me coffee in general just tastes better in a good diner. Gotta be those cups lol
@jimklemens501810 ай бұрын
How do you figure that the burger was cooked medium well?
@zloungeact10 ай бұрын
That steamed ham looked great!
@ronbennet232010 ай бұрын
ive been to this place several times and all I gotta say is the food is great.
@revxxxxxxx10 ай бұрын
That burger looks fantastic.
@dgfarr110 ай бұрын
I just at there last month when I was in NJ.
@friendoverse10 ай бұрын
I am a HUGE UA fan.
@erikfast422810 ай бұрын
How do those prices compare to the area? I'm in Richmond, VA and $21 for Corned Beef and Hash seems pricey.
@LibertyOrBust10 ай бұрын
It's pricey for NJ. What is normal? $12?
@erikfast422810 ай бұрын
@@LibertyOrBust Well, as it turns out I don't get out much and prices are way up here too. I just had lunch with friends at a local place and paid $17 for a corned beef sandwich.
@Herbie-Went-Bananas-Then-Split10 ай бұрын
I just can't seem to find a waffle I like and I've tried a few. Waffles now aren't the same as the ones I grew up with, which were made with a sweetened batter into which a waffle iron would be dipped before placing in heated oil and cooked until crispy - a tap of the iron and the crispy batter would fall off onto the plate, then either power sugar dredged over the top or syrup. Melt in the mouth lush. The waffles now are like bricks of stodge. Anyone else ever had waffles similar to how I've described them cooked? The only savoury I've had with waffles has been bacon, which is delicious.
@Idelia41210 ай бұрын
I grew up with buttermilk waffles made from scratch. Egg whites were wipped and then folded in to the batter. Waffles were fluffy and not hard.
@hugrad958 ай бұрын
Ha ha the old diner used to have up to 1.5 hour wait. 30 minutes is good.
@johnmangan67593 ай бұрын
No syrup on chicken and waffles?? That might have helped lol.
@TamTranTriZzle10 ай бұрын
Ran across this vid on my feed, and I love me some Diner food! I will say that when reviewing a diner, you should go for the most common Classic Diner Foods ie., Rueben, Patty Melt, Pancakes, Club sandwich, meatloaf etc... as that is the true test of a great diner! And how could you check out the coffee without having possibly the #1 Classic Diner food which is a slice of Pie! Nice vid tho! But I'm confused! Cus you said a solid thing to do is to always go with the waiter's reccomenation on what to get, but when you got what the waitor rcommended, you didn't like it! So confused lol
@Idelia41210 ай бұрын
I like the Bel Loc diner in Batimore on route 40
@misterruggles973610 ай бұрын
years ago, in the 90-s, the best diner was the fort lee diner, and a mob hangout.