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Tick-Tock Diner
- Price Range:
-
$$
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- Yes
- Parking:
- Private Lot
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take-out:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Late Night, Dinner, Breakfast
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- Yes
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
92 reviews for Tick-Tock Diner
Review Highlights
"Gotta get back here before I leave for the disco fries."
(in 14 reviews)
"This is a must stop after a long night in the city and the..."
(in 2 reviews)
"...been coming here for years and have never been disappointed."
(in 2 reviews)
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92 reviews in English
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Review from Tony S.
Manhattan, NY
11/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
Food is very good and they have a huge menu. They used to have a greek burger that I loved, but sadly it is gone!
It is a classic dinner with good food and good service. Love it for weekend breakfast!
I recommend the grilled chesse sections of the menu. A lot of people make a big deal out of the Disco Fries. I personally think they are a little bland!
For me, it is close to home and i have very little bad to say. Ill be back from time to time. -
Review from Kenny L.
12/25/2011 1 Check-in Here
Up until this point I have been to a total of eleven places featured on Diners Drive-Ins and Dives, mostly in California. At all these different places featured on the show, and the different cuisines, all those places had one thing in common, they had good food. Good food isn't just stuff that tastes good, but food that still sticks in my mind. Like the pulled pork at Baby Blues BBQ in San Francisco, the pancakes at Brownstone Diner in Jersey City, or the Chicken and Waffles at 900 Greyson in Berkeley. I have never been let down by a place featured on the show until I came to Tick-Tock Diner.
It wasn't that anything was bad, everything was OK, but nothing really stuck out in my memory as really good. The burger was asked to be cooked at medium but it was between medium well and well. The sear on the burger wasn't very good and the burger, despite the superior meat, was very unimpressive.
The food is good, but it's not that good and I expected better from a Triple-D rated place. -
Review from JoAnna D.
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
I haven't been here in YEARS (at least a decade). I didn't realize they became TV-level famous!
I used Tick-Tock for my boyfriend's introduction to New Jersey diners. He had never been, & I had been craving taylor ham & egg for weeks. My sandwich (on a soft roll) was perfect, and so were my gravy fries. He had what our waitress called "an interesting combination" of soup, corned beef & cabbage, & a hot chocolate.
We loved our food, and our waitress was great. The menu is huge! If you're looking for a NJ diner experience, you should probably make this one of your first stops. -
Review from Lindsey C.
Manhattan, NY
11/3/2011 1 Check-in Here
People in the diner "know" in New Jersey seem to love this place, but to me, it was just like every other diner I've been to.
Food was good (standard), and the place wasn't too crowded. But overall, it was nothing spectacular, if anything I was disappointed.
I got French Toast, which was pretty equal to any I could have made at home... Food wasn't hot enough for my liking, but overall, wasn't bad enough to complain about.
I wouldn't go out of my way to eat here again. -
Review from Maryanne B.
Clifton, NJ
1/29/2012
I'm usually here for the burgers and one of the best ones is the Peter Luger burger. They also have pretty good shakes.
-
Review from Daniel D.
Maplewood, NJ
1/29/2012 1 Check-in Here
Pretty good diner but I am wondering what the fuss is all about??? I would have definitely put Rutt's Hut on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives before this place ( they are less than a mile apart ). Not a bad diner by any means just in my opinion not worthy of praise on TV. They have a full liquor license and I hear many Giants and Jets go there after practice and games to chow down.
-
Review from Belle R.
Clifton, NJ
1/2/2012 1 Check-in Here
Never a disappointment. True diner food that's fresh and delicious. I had the philadelphia cheese steak. The portion was enormous. The service is great. I'll be back soon.
-
Review from Far East M.
Paterson, NJ
10/3/2011 3 Check-ins Here
I don't think the food is any better than any good standard diner. Don't get sucked in the Diner drives and dive hype.
What I love about this place is that this place is a landmark and has history with me. I used to come here after partying it up in Hoboken or early 5am breakfast after staying up playing xbox or world of warcraft. I remember fmr gov. Mcgreevy having his show on here when I was proud to be a new jerseyian. But, MTV's Jersey shore ruined that.
Service is good. Food comes out fast and hot. Enjoy the show. There is no shortage of Jersey shore types here. From the 3am rejects who didn't bring home a grenade to the 10am family with the dad with a white beater and track suit. Salud! -
Review from Monicalyn P.
Long Island, NY
9/30/2011 1 Check-in Here
What a piece of Americana!
I love diners and this one did not disappoint. They have a large menu with all the regular diner items included and also some different items ( a whole sections dedicated to grilled cheese!). Service was great, atmosphere fun. I will definitely be back :) -
Review from Len W.
A Diners, Drive-ins and Dive Trophy!
This gleaming diner sitting just off of route 3 is a classic.
They offer a broad menu of everything.
I had the chicken parm dinner. The breading was a bit crisp and thick, but nothing bad. The marinara was average and the spaghetti was good. 3 stars
Service was average - I got there early, but it too a little while for the waitress to come over and take my order. 2-2.5 stars
I would go back for a diner, Americana fix. -
Review from Jeff W.
9/24/2011
I went to this place starting back in 1995 and make it a point to go here at least once a year for nostalgic reasons. My first memory of this place was a New Jersey Devils Pep Rally that was a really fun time. Hence the reason I keep the nostalgia going.
There's really not much to Jersey diners, they all have the standard fare but this place has a lot more to it than just a diner. The Tick Tock is just what embodies New Jersey. Another landmark on the side of a highway, which is what makes Jersey...Jersey!
The food is pretty good, better than average, the service is above par, but you have to really just experience the Tick Tock!! -
Review from Scott A.
Ramsey, NJ
1/22/2012
I've only been here a few times, and was not impressed either of these visits. I know this is a North Jersey legend, but compared to other diners it seemed less than average. A bit pricy, I think an egg sandwich with home fries, and a coffee cost close to $15. And the quality was nothing special. My friends were equally unimpressed. Maybe I'd try again.
-
Review from Taryn C.
8/9/2011
I'm from Jersey; therefore, not only I AM but I also love diners. I have the diner gene. Tick Tock Diner is by far one of my favorite diners that I enjoy going to even when not drinking heavily or coming home from a road trip or a concert or any other event where diner stops are a necessity.
Their pancakes are apparently the best things ever, but I can't remember ever indulging in them. That's because I'm usually there for a specific breakfast item - Taylor Ham, egg and cheese baby! -- or dinner time and don't want the sweetness of pancakes. but everyone I know raves about them. I'll take their word for it . No diner is complete without disco fries - fries w/ cheese and gravy. They default to mozz, though I prefer American. It's good though. Tops one of the best.
If you find yourself in the Jerz, make it a point to stop here. There's something for everyone. Servers are always so nice too. -
Review from Christopher H.
Jersey City, NJ
6/13/2011 5 Check-ins Here
This menu seems to keep changing every so often. I mean one of the items was a Jersey Shore burger (burger topped w/ mozzarella and mozzarella sticks) w/ disco fries. It went down ok, but then again anything does after a night out from a club or bar.
Service is good, little more expensive than other diners, but I do like the fact I can be trying something new here every time. Always gonna be my home diner. -
Review from Kent W.
New York, NY
7/26/2011
The diner featured on Food Network (DDD). So...yeah. We ordered breakfast (huge portion) but nothing out of the ordinary. I had the slam special - which had everything - bacon, sausage, ham, pancakes, and eggs. Tick-Tock Diner serves your regular Jersey Diner fare. Jerrrrrzeeeeeeeeeee!
* This is the 3rd time Guy Fieti failed me - ahhhh
*My coffee was filled up 4 times (good. very good)
*Italian omelet wasn't too shabby - killed the flavor with too much cheese
*Are we suppose to order the burgers?
*We might have to do a redo. -
Review from Andre V.
Clifton, NJ
8/17/2011
*sigh* sometimes you live and die by the quality of service an establishments provides. Case in point a trip to Tick Tock diner (the infamous diner), always passed the place but never went in till sometime not too long ago. I won't go in to the way the place or anything like that, suffice to say it looked like a decent diner. My problem was with how long it took before a waitress came to our table to take our orders (10-15 minutes!) and the additional 15 minutes it took to just get the food! Thankfully the food was pretty good but I almost have to put an asterisk on that state simply because by the time the food finally came I was so starved that I was already planning on jumping over to the adjoining table and take their food...my judgement of the food may be a bit impaired.
If the service was better and I knew that I liked the food not because I was on the brink of starvation I would have given this place 4 stars but I can't...so I won't. -
Review from Cynthia A.
Stanton, CA
8/9/2011
Came here from the starvation from
my flight from California. Being a non-resident of New Jersey I didn't have much input on where we were going so I just went with the flow. At first the place looked nice but I wasn't really that impressed. I skimmed through the menu which wasn't very appealing either but decided the Grilled Chicken
Ceaser Wrap would
Do the job. The wrap itself was pretty
good the chips and salsa that came along with it could have passed. It seemed to be pretty popular within the people my age. Maybe it's because I am not a local? I dunno -
Review from YASMEEN B.
Newark, NJ
9/5/2011
Nasty breaskfast that taste right out a box.
Homefries: nasty - shredded potatoes that were desert DRY
Eggs: okay with cheddar cheese melted on top until I found a long gray hair
Turkey Bacon: good - it's Louis Rich brand they grilled up on the foreman grill or something of it's kind
Wheat Toast: best thing I had on the plate with butter and jelly
Cranberry Juice: Ocean Spray - I saw the bottle
Service: sucked! No smile or face to face greeting from hostess; waitress acted as if she was doing me a favor.
Damn, I should have gone to IHOP right next door, but it was crowded - I see why!!! -
Review from Christina P.
Hackensack, NJ
7/9/2011 1 Check-in Here
Great disco fries! The secret is in the gravy- it's delicious! The only problem with the gravy is that they seem to be rationing it.. We definitely could have used a little more on our fries. The cheese could've been more plentiful as well. And they could have actually melted the cheese...
My boyfriend loved his jersey shore burger.
As far as the rest of the meal goes, it was mediocre.
Grilled cheese-definitely sub par. It was two slim pieces of cheese between two giant pieces of bread. The bread was so thick, I could barely take a bite.
Strawberry Milk Shake- Artificial tasting.. i.e. strawberry syrup instead of real strawberries.
Open-faced Roast Beef- tender and delicious, and the red skin mashed potatoes were seasoned well; however, it came with no gravy!! What kind of open-faced sandwich comes without gravy? What the hell guys? Is there a gravy shortage? The waiter must have seen the confused looks on our faces because he said "Oh.. did you want gravy with that?" And he brought out a small cup.
Speaking of the waiter, he was very awkward and soft spoken. There were hardly any people there, but our waiter kept disappearing whenever we needed something. We asked for 3 waters and he just left us with those tiny cups the bus boys give you. Half way through the meal he brought us one large water (no straw), and mumbled something about "in case you want more." Even though there was such a small amount of customers, they still took a long time to bring the food.
Oh and here's something that really bothers me... but this is really just a person irritant- I HATE when people put cheese on a side salad. If I'm ordering a salad, it's because I'm trying to be healthy and I don't want a pound of cheese with my lettuce. But that's just me.
Overall, Tic Toc was just okay. I might go back for the Disco Fries, but remember to ask for extra gravy! -
Review from Jorge S.
Newton, NJ
8/31/2011
Typical NJ diner, but on the better end.
You can't go wrong with anything here.
Avoid this place on weekend breakfast hours, you won't get in. -
Review from J E.
Somerset, NJ
8/16/2011
I went here because I saw it on Diners, Drive-ins and Dives. I had high hopes for this place but I wasn't that impressed. I had the dinner special with salad, soup and shrimp pasta. The salad was weird that it just had greens, 3 cherry tomatoes 4 olives and cheese. I mean, at least put an onion in there! The french onion soup was horrible... it did not even taste like a french onion soup at all! The other times I've tried french onion soup at other establishments, it always tastes similar. This recipe was way off, not to mention our waitress didn't tell us it was an extra charge.
My utensils had dried up food on them which was disgusting! It was hard to find our waitress as well. I had to ask the hostess to get me utensils. When my entree came out, it was steaming hot, which didn't bother me. I just couldn't eat it for a couple minutes. It was bland!!! My boyfriend's meatloaf (the one seen on TV) was ok.
I kind of wish I just ordered a french dip. Maybe I just ordered the next thing. I will try this place again and see! So far this is so much better than the diner in East Rutherford. -
Review from Ketan D.
Nutley, NJ
How have I not written a review for Tick Tock?!
This is MY Diner. Don't you dare claim it to be yours!
Honestly, I can go on and on about what makes Tick Tock the quintessential diner, but all I have to say is:
DISCO FRIES! -
Review from Marie D.
Berlin, NJ
2/19/2011 1 Check-in Here
We passed the bright lights of Tick-Tock Diner on the way into Hoboken one Saturday night and I was smitten.
My friend promised we'd stop by later after the party and it was all I'd hoped it would be. I had a juicy-on-the-inside, crispy-on-the-outside patty melt. I ordered cheese fries and was only slightly disappointed that there was no cheese whiz, just a melted slice of American.
I can't remember much except that the food was great diner fare, the server was sweetly tolerant of our post-party states, and it was PACKED at 3am.Listed in: Late Night, Do It Right, 24, Dineriffic
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Review from Will Y.
Franklin, TN
4/10/2011 1 Check-in Here
Typical. As the other reviewers (e.g. Marissa C.) have noted, there's nothing memorable about Tick-Tock. It was so average that I forgot I even went there until Yelp kindly reminded me that I had a review I needed to do.
The food is good -- average. They have alcohol, I suppose, but it was late when I was there, so they could no longer serve it per local ordinance. I forgot what I had, I'm sorry to report. It was mediocre; I do remember that.
The ambiance was also typical Jersey diner. But it was clean.
The menu offerings, if I remember, were typical for a Jersey diner -- too many to have a core competency, thus meaning everything is just average.
The salad I do remember: Bagged lettuce. 'Nuff said about that.
A word about the parking lot in the winter: I nearly died from slipping on the black ice. Be careful and park yourself as close to the door as possible. Maybe wear ice boots.
The final analysis: Good, clean place for drunk/munchies/forgot-to-eat-now-it's-the-middle-o f-the-night food. I think I saw about 14 members of the mafia there, dressed in snazzy double-breasted suits a few tables over. That's always a bonus. -
Review from Gianluca C.
Stanhope, NJ
10/11/2011
I have been going to this place for a very long time when I use to live in Clifton. Late nights going out we always ended up here. Me and brother recently went here and I have to say that this place now is one of the worst diners in NJ, which is a shame. The prices went up and the quality of food went down. I know it's just diner food, but its simply not good anymore. At least the coffee stayed the same. I think after their big one minute of fame with "guy" they decided to raise prices and produce shit food as now people would just come because of the show...They are dead wrong as I won't ever go back here, even if it's 2AM and I'm starving after a night out. There are 2 much better diners very near anyhow.
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Review from Delectable Duo V.
Hoboken, NJ
5/24/2011 1 Check-in Here
Well ti has been a staple for decades ... ya can't miss it when driving down 3 ...
If it is Diner fare you want then this will be just fine ... I honestly don't even remember what we actually had .. but look, we should have just had disco fries and a chocolate shake! -
Review from Cynthia A.
Huntington Beach, CA
1/2/2011
yum! My first time at this diner despite how popular it is. Decor's really cute.
I ordered a pesto omelet - mozzarella, fresh basil and tomatoes. It's so fragrant you can smell the fresh basil. Delicious but not bursting w/flavor, but you feel healthy eating it. Coffee's pretty decent here too.
I shared a plate of mozzarella sticks that came w/freshly crushed tomato marinara
I'll def be back for more. -
Review from Laura P.
Rutherford, NJ
2/2/2011 2 photos
I go here probably once a month because I live nearby. After years of going up and down Route 3 and trying every chain restaurant from Secaucus to Fairfield, I keep going back to Tick Tock because there's never a wait on a Saturday night, it's cheap, and the food is solid.
Is the food the best ever? No, it's not fine-dining, but honestly, my partner likes two things: ziti and burgers. I like two things: omelets and salads. Tick Tock, and diners in general, do those things really well for an unbeatable price. We spend less than $40 for a dinner out. The menu is huge, and the service is good.
-The burgers are great. They have char marks, they're cooked to order, they're large, and I think they're only $7 for the deluxe.
-The salads are huge. I frequently get them. I've never had a problem with getting icky lettuce.
-The warm hummus as an appetizer was unexpectedly delicious.
-We had a pizza listed as an appetizer once for $7, and it was quite large! Cheese was good and plentiful, and it had garlic shards on it, but the sauce was a little too sweet. It ain't Jersey pizza but wasn't as bad as I expected.
-Sometimes the desserts are all about quantity and not quality.
-Omelets are half the size of a very large plate, and the other side is filled with home fries. They're generous with the cheese and the fillings. The sausage+apple one is also good.
Like I said, i don't expect a foodgasm here, but it gets the job done really well without any of the minuses of other places on Route 3. -
Review from Randall T.
Rockaway, NJ
2/19/2011
Expensive and barely edible. Packed, nonetheless, with people who were unaware, non-discriminating, or desperately hungry.
I'm not opposed to diner food. Some are very good. As for Tick Tock, if
McDonalds and Taco Bell are your regular pit stops, this place is barely half a step higher on the gastronomic ladder. -
Review from James F.
Rutherford, NJ
8/9/2011 2 Check-ins Here
Just had the Irish eggs Benedict. If you love corned beef hash and you love eggs Benedict, then you'll love this marriage. Yum!
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Review from Sonia C.
Elizabeth, NJ
5/21/2011
Tick Tock is one of my favorites diners in New Jersey. I used to work nearby, so I was a regular for years. I go there occasionally now, and some of the employees still recognize me.
The food, in my opinion, is better than most diners. I absolutely love their seasoned waffle fries and their tuna melt (the best). Portions are generous, but prices are on the high side for a diner. They used to be more reasonable a few years ago.
I still make an effort to go there at least once a year. -
Review from Rose L.
Rutherford, NJ
4/12/2011 3 Check-ins Here
We go pretty regularly, we always have a good meal.
Sundays are pretty busy after 10 so if you're impatient, stay home.
The pancakes are large and a great price My son always gets an adult order of chocolate chip pancakes. 3 pancakes that cover the plate. He eats half for breakfast and the rest for an early dinner.
My daughter always get the chicken fingers, and they are nice large pieces of white meat, they are a nice portion for a kids meal, and you can get it with pretty much any side at no extra charge. comes with fries.
I love the eggs benedict, always perfectly cooked. I like my yolks runny and my whites solid - perfect every time.
My husband has had about everything on the menu, and always a winner.
They are a very busy place, always hopping. Sunday mornings are nuts, but most other times you are seated right away. -
Review from Julia D.
7/31/2011
Best multi-grain pancakes I've ever had anywhere!! And the rest of the menu looked phenomenal.
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Review from Mike S.
New York, NY
9/16/2010
Blowouts
Bon Jovi
Diners
Corn
Tomatoes
This is what we're known for in NJ. Stand up and get counted.
Being a diner from the diner state, that was ALSO featured on Diners Drive-ins and Dives with that tool Guy Fieri... you think this has to be something special. It really isn't. It's just like any other diner.. doesn't really stand out. My burger was standard (Big size, well cooked). My fries had a bit of freezer burn. My wife's buffalo chicken salad was average, not very crispy chicken.
So yes, it's a good diner. But don't cancel your other plans to go there if you weren't looking to specifically go to a diner. -
Review from Mark L.
Charleston, SC
9/19/2010
Location location location
Portions portions portions
Selection selection selection
This diner has it all
24 hours a day
Right on Route 3 so as you leave New York or a Jets/Giants game and need a bite to eat or a place to gather.
It has an amazing selection of Greek and American food and very large portions.
For NJ diners, also extremely clean.
Get your Greek on at the Tick Tock Diner. -
Review from Sahra M.
Philadelphia, PA
2/20/2011
I was served rotten sour cream..... Rotten.
When I told the server she took it away and never brought anything new... Or apologized... Or anything at all.
Things happen, but how it was handled (not handled) was upsetting. -
Review from Annette P.
Clifton, NJ
7/18/2011
This is a must stop after a long night in the city and the best thing to order... Disco fries (mozzarella, duh!). They are not stingy when it comes to servings & ingredients. I've been coming here for years and have never been disappointed. If you're looking for a healthy alternative the greek salad with grilled chicken is huge and could easily serve two but I am sure you can find something for your tastebuds since their menu is always changing. I would stray away from the mozzarella sticks - they're never hot enough & the cheese doesn't stretch.
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Review from Mark H.
Secaucus, NJ
2/5/2011 1 Check-in Here
It's a typical diner with typical tasting food, typical parking, typical service, typical pricing, typical NJ...really not much more to say. I enjoyed my breakfast and my time there. Menu did look larger than most dinners and it was physically larger and busier than most diners, even though it was a Sunday morning that I went. Great name and a good location make this a place I wouldn't mind going again.
I had A belgium waffle and a toasted bagel with butter, some coffee and a water...all fine. Go there if you want a diner and you are in the area. -
Review from Jonathon R.
New York, NY
9/21/2010 1 Check-in Here
Its a diner, its 24 hours and the food is decent for diner food.
I find it fairly overpriced for being off the highway in NJ.
Honestly, its just a diner. -
Review from Ben E.
Monroe, NY
9/1/2010
Diners aren't typically among what would be considered "destination" restaurants. You live in the neighborhood or you're in the neighborhood, you've been there before, so you stop in and eat. It's simple, Right? Maybe not.
A few days ago I realized that in the last two years I have been to Tick Tock four times yet I live 40 miles away from it. Like when I was....
Capping an all-righter after my 20th high school reunion at the Tick Tock, twenty minutes away and passing many other diners on the way with a group of friends.
Going 30 minutes out of the way on the way home with my Wife, the morning after a Bar Mitzvah.
On the way home from the Shore with my family-Yes, I planned it in advance that we would stop there for Lunch.
That seems like enough criteria to qualify as my first and only Destination Diner.
While I am an adventurous eater, I admittedly don't go very far afield when I am at a Diner. Omelets, Burgers/Fries, Soups, Greek Specialties, Sandwiches etc . are the extent of 95% of my diner visits. So maybe the people that order the $18.95 Entrée, Soup, Salad, Potato and Veggie specials are more qualified to make this call. I just know that everything I have had there is good anytime I have gone.
Diners have such extensive menus that it is impossible for them to do everything perfectly. I'm sure that Tick Tock falls short in one area or another. So if you're going to tell me that they stumbled with their Baked Bluefish or that their Cream of Turkey Soup has too much corn starch, all right then. No problem, I 'm sure you're right. The point is that Tick Tock does a lot of things really well.
In the Diner Capital of America, the Tick Tock Diner would have to be considered among the elite in their group.
One more thing-Get the Falafel Burger. It's off the charts. I Promise!
