I gave it one star since they had home fries and not hash potatoes. The place is clean. Food not the best. Had to ask for thing to be warmed up. Ordered a western omelet everything is just tossed on the plate toast and all. Toast should be on its own plate ... I shouldn't have to ask for butter or syrup which my son had too. Why is your syrup in little container this isn't take out. Syrup should be in a bottle so I can pour what I want. They only best thing my son stated was the coffee. 1st plate of bacon was over cooked second plate was undercooked. The cook shouldn't be upset if someone isn't pleased with over cooked or under cooked food. I am paying good money for my food.

A group of us Car guys were going to the Flemings Pumpkin Run (we got our picture taken with Harry Fleming) and we stopped at the Crystal Diner for breakfast. Good food, nice service and good atmosphere. It reminds us of an Old Fashion Diner which we enjoy. Try it and see for yourself. 👍

Only thing good I can say about this place is the service was pretty good. My husband ordered the corned beef sandwich which came with fries. The sandwich was just thick cut corned beef on white bread, the bread seemed like it’d seen better days and the corned beef was super dry, and looked it as well. He asked for thousand island dressing to go with it to make it palatable because we were really hungry. I got the Greek salad (olives, green peppers, onions, anchovies, feta, tomatoes, lettuce, stuffed grape leaves, dressing) with grilled chicken. The pieces of pepper, onion and tomatoes were not chopped as the menu stated, but rather large chunks that, by themselves, were a mouthful and the dressing looked and smelled tasty, but ended up being mostly vinegar. My daughter got the kids pizza, which looked good, but I didn’t taste it. She was hungry, but only nibbled at it, and she’s really not a picky eater by any stretch. While paying, we put a 0 on the check for a tip (we left cash on the table), which was questioned by the man at the desk. Overall, so very disappointing, and they don’t even give a desert with their kids meals. Oh, I will say the stuffed grape leaves were actually pretty good, but I believe they are not made in-house.

Absolutely disgusting. There was mold in my fries. Cheese looks like plastic. Salad was weirdly chewy… like play-dough. When my son went to the bathroom i had to be on lookout cause there was no lock. NEVER AGAIN.

07/01/2022: Friday night dinner for 2. We enjoyed French Onion & Chicken Noodle soups. Entree's were Mediterranean Salad and a Chicken Panini. Service was prompt and food was good. I ate here last Friday 06/24/2022 and the food was quite good then too. Well Done! ed (PS: The Dessert assortment is outstanding but I passed on this today...next time.)

TLDR; Everything was bland. The steak is not steak, it is just chop meat molded together. My partner and I went here for our anniversary. I had one miserable, somewhat traumatic experience here around 10 years ago. My partner has never been here though, and was the one to suggest it, so I went with it thinking that after a decade, I could have a different experience. I got the broiled steak with onions and gravy, and my partner got the penne pasta. Both of our meals came with a chicken noodle soups as a little appetizer. The soup was definitely reheated, the veggies were extremely soft and the chicken was leathery. It also had zero flavour. My partner literally salted every spoon to make it even taste like anything. I don't have much to say about the pasta since it wasn't my order and I didn't eat any, but my partner says that it was mediocre. From what they told me, the sauce was very watery, and both the noodles and sauce had little to no flavour. I orded my steak as a medium rare, but it came to me well done. I was going to take it as it was, but it practically crumbled when I attempted to cut into it and tasted gross in general. The onions seemed to be sauteed, but I couldnt guess how because the flavour seemed to be sucked out of them. Making an onion flavourless is amost impressive to me. I asked for my steak to be remade, I assumed that it being well-done was the reason it was so gross to me. The waitress went and talked about my request to a man who I believe was a manager, before she came back and took it. She came back about 10 minutes later with a new plate that looked almost much the same. I was thinking that based off the taste and texture that it mightve been ground beef that was molded into a steak shape. I was tempted to ask the waitress if that was the case, but I thought it was rude to ask about so was just gonna leave it alone. Instead, when she came back and asked how the remade "steak" was and I told her it was still disappointing, in response the waitress said herself that its just chop meat put together. I ordered my steak without the gravy, so I cant make any comment on it.

Mediocre food. The potatoes tasted old and stale and the coffee tasted watered down (probably was), plus there was a convenience fee (2.99) which they snuck onto the final bill. They also charged me 4% extra for paying with a credit card.

This place is distasteful. $2.99 coronavirus convenience charge and 4% extra for using a credit card. Plus, food was terrible. Potatoes tasted cold, stale, and unseasoned. Eggs were a bit runny. Coffee and hot chocolate seemed watered down and left a strange taste in your mouth. Would not recommend and will not return!

The food was terrific, and we were seated quickly on a Sunday. This is a bit challenging to get to even for NJ. Especially depending on the direction you are coming from - cant make a left and the loop lane change is quick. Also, you kind of enter behind it, so even with an app guiding you, be careful.

The worst thing you can do is try to rob your customer. They listed prices in menu only to be charged more on the bill. Then they have the nerve to try and sneak in a COVID Charge of $2.99. Listed as Rt1 on bill? Avoid this place at all cost. Food cold and portion size was a joke for price paid. Service was way below standard even for a diner. Then the worst part when I confronted hostess she stated the notice for the COVID up charge is on the door and the bottom of the specials dry erase board on floor near register. The notice was not posted on the door and I showed her same. She had no answer for the incorrect prices. She ended up charging the correct amount after I stated I was reporting them. Then when I attempted to pay with my debit card I was told there is a 4%fee for all non-cash payments. They are beyond deplorable.

Went to this diner on Sunday night, and we ordered a grilled cheese sandwich with ham and french fries. First of all, we were not that hungry and decided to split a meal. We waited so long and then when it was brought to us, it was served abruptly. After she dropped the food on the table the waitress ran away and we didn’t see her until the check was to be issued. She was also very rude Needless to say the food was not appetizing at all. The ham was very grainy and the fries looked so oily and burnt, that we couldn’t finish it. We told the manager as we were leaving and he seemed like he didn’t care and didn’t compensate us at all. Sorry to say we will not be back. We were very disappointed.

Stopped for quick bite to eat that turned into a delicious breakfast! Food was SO good, just took our time and enjoyed every morsel. Our waitress was the best! She was fun, great personality, one of those who is perfect for this! All-in-all, great time at this diner! Would definitely go back!

Sad excuse for a diner. Even the OJ was horrible - how do you mess that up?? It tasted like it was bitter tap water mixed with OJ. The prices were really weird - $5 for cereal and $2.10 to add banana slices? $2 for an egg ? Even the fact that they have a minimum per person (and of course we met it - anyone would - but why even make that a rule??) and 4% fee for using a credit card just shows how badly they want to nickel and dime over everything - no wonder the place was empty on a Friday night.

Ordered bacon and eggs with hash browns. The bacon was from yesterday, the hash was not hot and the eggs were warm but also not freshly cooked. Sad experience but maybe you'll get a better cook than Mondays pot luck cook 😣😷😷

Horrible place to eat. They do not uphold the traditional Jersey Diner service or quality. We were charged a $2.99 Covid fee for the "pleasure" of eating outside, using plastic utensils and eating out of a Styrofoam container. The table we sat at was wiped very quickly with the same towel that was used over and over again on other tables. The salt pepper and ketchup containers were not wiped after the previous customers used them. And for all that, we were charged $2.99??? Thats not only unacceptable, its disgusting. Never again will we support this local business. We have eaten out at several places during this pandemic, and this is the only place that charged a Covid fee....and was the least cleanliness in eating at. Shame on them. Avoid At All Costs!!!!

My son wanted to be in a REAL NJ Diner, as he was too young when we moved to FLA. the heat was out over the Christmas holiday, but the staff made it toasty and delicious. Will definitely be back.

I went to apply for a job here and the owner was incredibly rude and he kept asking personal questions that I was not comfortable answering and when I told him I'm not telling you that information he didn't like that he called me and asked me after the interview asked if I knew what the attire was and I did and I called the place the next day and they kept telling me to call back and talk to someone named candy. Is that like a stripper or something??? I just didn't call back he should reach out not me that's what good owners do also im glad I didn't work here there food looks nasty

Great diner. We had a lady name Janet serve us and what a sweet lady… she went above and beyond and was great to converse with. And the food was delicious as well!!!

Food was delicious!!!

👍

Love coming to Jersey for the diners. I love in Florida and come up to visit my son. Diners are the only place I allow him to take me for lunch. They food is so good and there is plenty on your plate. You don't leave feeling that you should have more food. It was so good.

I really loved this place. The service was friendly and observant. Prices are appropriate for the quality. Menu is like a cafe in Indianapolis I liked.

After a fun night of ice-skating at the local rink in Toms River, my friends and I headed on over to the Crystal Diner for some breakfast-for-dinner! This establishment is run by a super sweet Greek gentleman who seemingly pours his heart out into the restaurant world. We munched on some delicious french toast, got some super tasty hot chocolate and sides of bacon! I was pleasantly surprised with how quickly the food arrived and how amazing the service was, given we came during their last hour of being open for the night. Definitely stop in and say "ti kanies" (how are you?) to the owner, if you're in the area!

It feels wrong to even give this place a single star, and i dont normally write reviews but i genuinely feel the need to warn people not to go here… We sat down at the same time as some other people, they ate paid and left before we got any food. Then about 45 minutes of us waiting we finally got our soup which was honestly so good, we thought it was gonna start to become a better experience but then when our food came out 20 minutes later it was so gross.. we paid and left theres no way it should be allowed to charge the prices they are😂 paid our 70 dollar bill, with empty stomachs and an hour and a half of our day wasted , even drove 30 minutes to the place😂😂

Got dessert from this diner. Typical singer. They added a charge of $1.50 to each order as they don't have to increase prices. Crazy concept, just increase the prices!

Actually wasn't super happy with my most recent visit. I asked to use an amex gift card I had, wasn't able to, I was charged an extra 4% to use a credit card, the food was mediocre at best, menu was limited unlike any other time I had been there. I assume all of this is due to covid, which is a shame. To top it off it was over 50 dollars just for the two of us. -_-

We have Christmas Brunch here every year. A hugh part of the family gets together for brunch and a photo. This is Grams gift as a way to celebrate the holidays and bring us all together. It's been a wonderful tradition!! 🎅🎄🤶

Classic Neon Jersey Diner!!! Plenty of seating. Very bright and clean. We were seated quickly. Our food came out quick. It was hot and fresh and delish. Friendly waitress. Overall great experience. We ordered two dinner specials: Prime Rib and Shrimp & Scallop Scampi. And ordered a Santa Fe Burger. Generous portions. Specials came with dessert. We picked rice pudding. Yum! Prices were good too. Great choice for after a day at the beach on the way home. Right off RT 37. Very close to Parkway to head home.

We were in the area and pulled into Crystal Diner. It was very empty for dinner hour. The waitress was very nice. We ordered a hot roast beef dinner which was a special for the night... it was good but not great. However, the vegetables were awful.....just overcooked frozen string beans and corn. Perhaps better grilled veggies and/or a salad would have improved the dinner.

Nice clean and good food. Utensils are cheap and the coffee cups are from tye stone age.

Me and my gal pals favorite place Food okay Company is better

FOOD IS AWESOME

This diner is okay. The service was really slow even though there were only 2 or 3 other families in there at the same time as us. We ordered takeout another time and asked for the home fries cooked well done. When I opened the container, I saw that the home fries were totally uncooked. Like, basically raw sliced potatoes. I had to fry them up in the pan at home to finish cooking them. The food was good otherwise.

Myself & my spouse went in to eat… we both wound up ordering open faced turkey sandwiches w the green beans… Horrible horrible horrible… Turkey- dry w cold clumpy gravy Xtra gravy for potatoes- cold & clumpy Instant potatoes- warm Green beans- warm w no seasonings on it… My spouse warned me about them I should’ve listened…

Great to be up in NJ for a few days where they know what a DINER is. I'm stuck in FL where they think WAFFLE HOUSE is a diner. Enough venting. This place is great..best sausages I've had in a long time. Excellent service & extensive menu. 5☆ all the way.

We only got desserts to go! They have a lot of delicious food and desserts The reception staff greeted us and was very friendly. They had a lot of different cheesecakes to choose from" Canoli, (whole) Strawberry topped, Chocolate, Peanut Butter (what I ordered it was delicious), and Carrot Cake Cheesecake. Not sure if I missed any. They also had delicious pies, cakes and cream pies. So just stopped by to satisfy our sweet tooth. It's a pretty diner on route 37 in Toms River, NJ Unfortunately there is no picture at this time because it was too delicious to take one. 😋

Would give one star but the service was great. I grew up on Jersey diners and this is one of the worst. Way over priced even for the area. Food was bland, coffee was weak and flavorless. You’re better off skipping this one and going to any other eatery in the area. I would’ve been more satisfied with wawa.

Unfortunately this place really went down hill. Growing up it was one of the best diners to go to. Now the food is not that great, the service is nothing special and the wait time was unreal. Diners are supposed to be fast, we waited almost an hour for our food. On top of that the prices are higher than almost any diner. I wish it was like the old Crystal diner, very sad.

The owner was friendly but the food was atrocious, didn’t even look, taste or have the texture of chicken. Looked the soup out of a can. The server made a couple back handed comments and was aggressively suggesting us to take food we didn’t like home. Place wasn’t clean either.

absolutely incredible!!! the music was perfect and complimented the inside of the diner perfectly! our waitress was a doll! the food was above average!!! and before leaving we grabbed a slice of cheesecake and a cigar! YES, you can buy a cigar to cap off the night! definitely my favorite diner!

I bought a slice of banana pie it was horrible chemical taste not one banana like another diner Ii went to. Waitress told me all cakes are made off site. Well they better get a real baker for selling this sub par quality.

What happened to this place? Went there for our family’s Christmas Dinner and the food was horrible. It was so disappointing. There were 7 of us and not one of us got a good meal. From the appetizer to the dinner. 🍲 I will be searching for a new restaurant next Christmas. That’s for sure. Avoid at all costs.

You guys need more vegetarian sandwich options and not just "making up your own sandwich" with random canned veggies you may have in the back. Most diners in Jersey also have the beyond burger, I was surprised and disappointed to see that you guys did not.

"The children's meal included pudding, Jell-O or a scoop of ice cream."

I did not enjoy the food.

Clean, friendly, good food

Food hot, staff friendly. Wish it wss busier.

Horrible! Walked in the door and the ceiling tiles were laying in the entryway along with a bucket with water from the roof leaking! The food was expensive and just OK! Won't be back!

Not bad

Always a nice place to go

Always consistent with there breakfast

What can I say, great food, great waitresses, great service and very quick to serve the food. The place is clean the people warm... you should definitely eat here if you haven't yet.

"The children's meal included pudding, Jell-O or a scoop of ice cream.""

Great food and place, but good customer service is important!

They got my order right for the most part. The food was gross and overpriced though. Went I went in to pick up the food none of the employees were wearing masks, even the one who was greeting people at the door. It also took 10 mins to pay even though I was the only one in there.

Good food fast service! Love it.

Nice, clean diner, good food and great service! Nice roomy tables with plenty of space in between! Inside, you stay 6 feet apart, and outside, there are tables inside a canopied cordoned-off space! You do have to pay a small basic gratuity, though, on your final bill, but otherwise, a decent diner!

If I could rate it a zero I would, they have a fee to sit down not much to select from on the menu. I ordered fish and chips and got Gordon's Fish instead.

Comfort food

it was great, not sure why the service was horrible today

My hubby, sister-in-law and I went to the Crystal diner last night. Our server was Rebecca. She was friendly, cheerful, funny, and very accommodating. Halfway thru the meal we realized she was actually the Host but had to fill in for a server who never showed up for work. Not only did Rebecca take on the job of being the ONLY server in the place, she was also host, cashier, busser, and receptionist of phone calls. And she did everything with a genuine smile and concern for her customers!! She was a breath of fresh air on a dreary day. She made our meal so much more enjoyable!!! If there is an employee of the month award, she deserves it!!! Thank you, Rebecca!!!

"Good service, clean space, many choices, good food and large portions."

(Translated by Google) islow service need to improve (Original) islow service need to improve

The corned beef and pastrami sandwiches here are great, I always pick up some sandwiches on the way home from ibsp.

The server's were friendly and attentive but the prices are higher than you'd expect for what you get.

slow and poor services! and the staff are so lazy!

"Their food has a bit no flavor and their service is not good"

"Good service, clean space, many choices

Food was cold, the sides weren't good.. but the cigar was nice

The crew are nice and friendly. the place is also great

Great service, very nice. Food was good and there was a selection of my diner favorites to choose from. Surcharge for dining in and another for using a credit card were understandable but it's a shame businesses have to do these things to survive.

Very nice great service enjoy