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The Fairest (Diner) in All the Land (of Diners)
I come from the land of all things bagels, pizza, The Sopranos, and diners. I'm hoping you picked up on my reference pointing to the fact that I'm talking about New Jersey (if you didn't I'm concerned). So, that means that there's a "family owned" pizza shop/local bagel store/old-fashioned diner on every corner on every street in the state. However, everyone has their local favorites. Or not so local favorites. Or favorites depending on their level of intoxication. Whatever the case may be, I am here to tell you about the best best best best BEST diner I have met thus far in my 21 years of life.
Located semi-off the beaten path in Newark, Tops Diner attracts a crowd no matter what time of day. I was first introduced to Tops right after touching down in America from studying in Italy for almost four months. Though I was having pasta, pizza, and gelato withdrawals, I was also beyond hungry for a classic disco-fries. If you don't know what disco-fries are, I highly suggest looking them up and studying their history. After a 45-minute wait on a Saturday night, I was seated with my parents and sister, along the way obviously staring at what everyone was eating. I was v confused- I saw a mountain of nachos, the biggest BLT to probably ever exist, and... PASTA. I kid you night there were endless pasta dishes. It seemed that Italy had followed me home after all. After finding out booth, I was given one of the biggest menus I have ever been given. Bigger than The Cheesecake Factory big. That's when you know it's real.
I walked in with a mission; I had known what I was going to order the second I said "Ciao" to Italy. A bacon cheeseburger and disco-fries for us to share. I have had my fair share of disco-fries in my life, but these were probably part of the top 3 best I have EVER had. Cheese and gravy (don't fight me on the gravy vs sauce debate) and crispy fry goodness... O M G.
I obviously had to return to Tops ASAP. I mean, I was dreaming of my first meal there for weeks. It wasn't until I was at Newark Liberty Airport yet again that I was able to make my second visit. Since it was basically breakfast time, I opted to not by a psycho and skipped the disco-fries. However, I did indulge in the best iced coffee drink I have ever sipped: The Iced Cappuccino.
I am a big eggs person, especially omelettes. I love everything about ordering an omelette at a diner: the side of toast, hash-browns, it's essentially my food heaven. Also, anything having to do with avocado and pepper jack cheese is all I care about. So, you guessed it, I ordered an omelette with avocado and pepper jack cheese... and substituted the mushrooms for bacon because why not.
If you have never been to a diner/never tried disco fries/need to change your life, do yourself a favor and make the trip to Tops Diner.