Get Ready To Fall In Love With The New Monmouth Diner

MIDDLETOWN, NJ — "My go-to when I need a good diner meal. You can't go wrong with your order here, and the service is always great."

"The ambiance will make you feel like you're in a scene of the movie 'Grease.' It's a very retro diner feel."

"Hands-down the best diner in the area!"

The above are taken from Yelp reviews and they're talking about the New Monmouth Diner, of course!

In a state that has hundreds of great diners, the New Monmouth on Rt. 35 in Middletown has to rank at the top. It first opened in 1964, and the New Monmouth has been serving hungry customers in the Bayshore ever since.

"When it first opened, there were no cars on Rt. 35. Can you imagine that?" said general manager Shawky El Sayad.

To this day, the New Monmouth retains that retro, 1950s feel. Look for pictures of Marilyn Monroe and James Dean inside, and old cars on display outside. And the best part is the New Monmouth has also retained its signature retro pricing. A family of four can enjoy a hearty meal here for under $50. And the first and third Mondays of the month are "Kids Nite," where kids 10 and under eat free and select adult entrees are $11.95. They also have a vintage car show outside on the second and fourth Mondays of every month.

"Our menu is very reasonably priced compared to other diners," said El Sayad. "It's huge portions with very decent prices."

The New Monmouth is popular with families with young children (they have a bin of free toys at the entrance) and older teens coming in after a high school football game. Their customers come from Middletown, of course, but also Matawan, Hazlet and Red Bank. And a big chunk of their clientele are those bound "down the Shore" who make the New Monmouth their gateway stop.

"We get a lot of people from out of state who said they read the reviews on Yelp and have to stop here on their way to the Shore. That's very rare for a diner," said El Sayad.

The New Monmouth has been owned by the same family the entire time, except for a brief period when someone took over the lease. But it's now back in the family's hands. The owners grew up in Middletown and attended Middletown schools; they are well known in the area.

"Always a safe and trusted staple in our community where you can get a good meal," wrote one Yelp reviewer. "Food is consistent, staff is attentive, helpful & friendly, dining room is well and pleasantly lit, ample parking, fair prices. Popular with families and high schoolers, which lends to the lively but positive environment. We really like New Monmouth Diner. Chicken strips, burgers, wraps, fish filet sandwich, always good and as expected."

Standouts to order include: Fisherman's Platter, Lumberjack waffle platter, huevos rancheros, honey fried chicken, burgers, paninis, disco fries, milkshakes, and their baked goods, all baked on premises.

Address: 1887 NJ-35, Middletown Township, NJ 07748

Hours: 7-10 p.m., Friday and Saturday 7 - 11 p.m.

Takeout: Yes

Outdoor Seating: No