I don't know why this place is always so busy, except for maybe the nostalgia of a once decent diner legacy that used to be part of New Jerseys iconic experiences. We still have the pizza places that people fight over being the best, the Chinese spots that always serve the same chicken and broccoli, the bagel spots that give you a Taylor ham egg and cheese with salt pepper ketchup, but the diners around here have either always been bad or have taken a turn for the worse.
The Pompton Queen is a local favorite. You are often told, "go to a diner, everyone can get what they want", but the reality is that the expansive menu that features everything from the classic burger to odd choices like general Tso's chicken offers it all at the most mediocre quality you can find around. You can have anything you want, but it will be bland and way too expensive for what it is.
Nothing has salt, or seasoning at all. Burgers are cooked extra dry and free of anything that would give them flavor. Fries are standard, but for the price that should be excellent. Look towards Thatcher's for what good fries are. For a place that has been around for so long, and demands a wait at almost all times, you'd figure the classic options would be good. Perhaps the first red flag of quality, would be the lack of Heinz ketchup, instead they use some off-brand.
Pretty much on par with all other diners, who serve bland, saltless, overcooked and the least fresh foods. Even breakfast staples like hashbrowns and fried eggs and just so devoid of flavor here. Salting on the plate doesn't get to the center of rich foods like hashbrowns, not sure why it is a diner tradition to never season food while cooking. Instead many foods here taste taste oddly sweet and the flavor of whatever cheap canola oil they use to fry them in dominates. French toast here looks like garlic bread, and basically has 0 moisture, requiring a hefty drowning in fake syrup. May as well ask for toast on the side, it seems to be the same thing.
The atmosphere is whatever, it usually doesn't matter but man, why are we taking the bagged vacuum form 1980 and vacuuming the carpet mid rush? Can't that wait till carryover? Can't we take a broom and pan or something? I remember bussing tables with a rag and broom, not my manager stretching a corded vacuum from the host booth to the corner of the restaurant.
Service here is also generally slow. They have so much business of people lining up for the tasteless slop that the waitresses and waiters, all of whom are very friendly and seemingly awesome people, don't have time to cater to the tables they serve. The past few times I've been forced to come here because of someone else's poor taste, I've needed to go to the front for my check, instead of getting it from the server after waiting 20 mins.
I hate to say it, but chains like Applebee's and cheesecake factory really are a better value than most diners. At least the food will be seasoned somewhat. I remember diners being better, and my mother, who was a waitress for decades, recalls the times where there where bakers, head chef's and a much more limited menu. Now the menu is 8 pages long, and...
Read moreI had the pleasure of visiting Pompton Queen Diner & Restaurant on February 21, 2025, with my wife, and I must say, this place exceeded all expectations. From the moment we walked in, we were greeted with a warm and welcoming atmosphere. The restaurant has a cozy yet vibrant setting, making it a perfect spot for a casual meal or a special outing.
The food was absolutely tremendous! Everything we ordered was cooked to perfection, flavorful, and beautifully presented. The menu had a fantastic variety, offering something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for classic diner fare or something more unique. The portions were generous, and every bite was delicious. It’s clear that the kitchen takes pride in the quality of their food, using fresh ingredients to create an exceptional dining experience.
Beyond the amazing food, what really stood out was the outstanding customer service. Our waitress was incredibly helpful, patient, and knowledgeable. She took the time to go over the menu with us, made excellent recommendations, and ensured we had everything we needed throughout our meal. Unfortunately, I can’t recall her name, but I want to express my sincere gratitude for her kindness and attentiveness—she truly made our visit even more enjoyable.
The service was fast and efficient, but at the same time, we never felt rushed. It’s rare to find a restaurant where both the food and service are equally exceptional, and Pompton Queen Diner has mastered this balance perfectly.
Overall, this was a fantastic dining experience, and I would highly recommend Pompton Queen Diner & Restaurant to anyone looking for great food, excellent service, and a welcoming atmosphere. Whether you’re a local or just passing through, this diner is a must-visit. Thank you to the entire team for making our visit so enjoyable—we will definitely be...
Read moreEvery state has their hidden food treasures, for Pennsylvania, it is their soft pretzels, Colorado, for the mountain pies, for New York, it is their deli sandwiches, and for New Jersey, it is the collection of diner food in smaller communities. The collection of factory built diners, ranging from 1940s to 1960s constructed diners are significant in the state's culture and are synonymous with large portions and great dishes, any time of the day.
I came here on a Sunday Afternoon while traveling on an off day that I had. And even in Northern New Jersey, the general diner atmosphere still adheres near and dear to the hearts of many, I came in during a hectic Sunday Afternoon, but the service was still impressive, despite the presence of crowd levels that would have impacted my experience otherwise. When I got seated, the individual who serviced us gave us our waters and menus, a classic way of serving a consumer that I am glad still adheres in the modern restaurant industry, despite standards that have long changed in diners, especially in New Jersey.
When it comes to the quality of the food, the food still came in a large portion, from a large menu, practically the size of any nighttime reading that you'd find on your nightstand. The large portions are filling and will make you happy, allowing you to skip meals with ease. The shear diversity of the items will also impress your taste buds. For reference, I had a breakfast quesadilla with Hash Browns, while my travel second had a Bacon Grilled Cheese. It all is good and for an affordable price in addition.
Overall, as this was my first visit to Pompton Queen Diner, I would say I was very impressed by the quality of the food and the quantity, come here if you are stuck in Morris County, or traveling...
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