Rise N Shine Diner — Restaurant in Eatontown

Found this place randomly because it's one of the only places open at 6am. Was pleasantly surprised it was much better than the review score would indicate.

After talking to the chef/owners I figured out why. It was bought by new owners about 10-11 months ago. Most of the lower reviews are from before they acquired it.

The chef is experienced, well trained, and has worked at some impressive places in the area and the city. He owns it with his family and the place is truly a family affair with everyone playing a role.

It's clear they have great service both from my experience and from the number of regular customers on a first name basis with the brothers.

The place has the kind of diner charm of everyone at the table getting a different style of plate and mug. The staff are friends with warm hugs shared for every new employee arrival. The food and service benefits from this energy.

I am classically trained to cook too and was immediately impressed with the home fries which were strongly spiced and had a well developed crust from the griddle you usually only see in deep fried potatoes. These were better bc they were not greasy as those often are.

The pancakes were the thin variety if you like that but watching the grill during service he does a banana foster and cinnamon swirl variety which looks amazing. French toast is thick cut and cooked properly with a well developed color.

Eggs were cooked perfectly as a softer scramble from shell eggs. You could see slight whites and small curds from constant motion. No dry edges. Very impressed.

Bacon is bacon. Not burned. A little softer than I like but I prob need to ask for crispy bacon next time. They check in repeatedly on how things are going and if I need refills on anything so I could have easily asked but I didn't want to make trouble for my mistake.

The absolute star so far is the biscuits and gravy. Something I've found to be weak in the north (I'm from the south). Biscuits are small but tender. Split and griddled with good color. Then gravy is listed on the menu as sausage gravy, but it's so much more than that. It has a subtle heat from chili flakes creamy and colored with a mild sausage. A flavor profile subtle and complex at the same time suitable for a fine dining restaurant not a greasy spoon.

I'm not ashamed to say I found this place three days ago and have eaten here every morning since. My new favorite place. Can't wait to start in on the lunch menu.

If you don't try this place then I hope you have found inner peace and the ability to live without regret bc you will most certainly have it.

4 stars on atmosphere bc it's very clean but also just a diner. They don't have a Rembrandt...

Went today and got my usual (I order about 1x a month) of sausage gravy, biscuit, and egg, as well as PR&C, which aren't for me. I'll update when the kids try them. Came home and tasted the sausage gravy and biscuit to find the recipe quite changed (from Sal's, prior owner). It tastes like the new owners added heat (maybe chili powder?) as the sauce is orange, it used to be tan. They visibly switched to canned biscuits, which were rather overdone. I called and asked about it, was told "my brother's a chef", but was not told what was changed except "I think he switched to hot sausage". No answer given when I asked for ingredients based on allergies. While waiting,l for the order, I noted the chicken and rooster images are gone. Big screen TV, all-gray walls, and alternating striped/checked red and white tablecloths are the new look. The iconic chalkboard is still there (but probably not for long)....

I absolutely adore this place!! Found this spot spontaneously and recommend to anyone in the area. The food is delicious and feels like home, much like the atmosphere! You can't beat the prices too, especially in this area. But the best thing about Rise N Shine are the PEOPLE! That's what connected me to this spot. Sal is the sweetest guy and makes everyone feel like they're family!! His son James or Jason (I wish I remember sorry man!) is a great guy as well. And Jill- so much to say about her! She is a star person! I'm not sure how to phrase it, but her welcoming attitude and customer service is phenomenal! She always has a wonderful smile on her face and her aura lights up Rise N Shine!! You know a place is wonderful when its employees are like Jill.. She's great at her job and her love of it makes the place SHINE! I would recommend RISE N SHINE to anyone, it's my new go...