New Partner Brings Big Changes To Towne Diner In Atlantic Highlands

NEW PARTNER BRINGS BIG CHANGES TO THE TOWNE DINER IN ATLANTIC HIGHLANDS

Eatery Combines Coziness Of A Diner With Cuisine Of A Restaurant

A new partnership can create energy and totally transform a business enterprise. This is certainly true of the newly re-launched Atlantic Highlands Towne Diner, formerly Towne Diner. New partner Audrey Phillips, a Union Beach resident and lifelong entrepreneur, joins Chef Hilario Morales, who brings several decades of restaurant experience to the table. Dubbed the ‘dynamic duo of dining,’ this team is the perfect recipe for success and has designed a menu filled with traditional diner breakfast and lunch favorites such as pancakes, French toast, omelets, oatmeal, and expected fare like burgers, fries, soups, salads, sandwiches, and wraps. However, the food always offers a little bit of the unexpected and original, even if it’s just the presentation or a new way to slice fruit or mix berries together with honey and cinnamon or make a cheeseburger with the cheese baked inside instead of on top! Hilario is known for his made-from-scratch Sunday gravy and sauces, which are created from his own time-tested recipes. Once breakfast and lunch are over, the dinner menu is really where this small happy gathering place transforms itself into a restaurant and totally stands out.

Morales, of Mexican heritage, makes all his soups – including potato cheddar, cream of mushroom, pasta fagioli and chicken tortilla, from scratch. He has many followers from his days as chef at Gigi’s Pizza and Alice’s Kitchen, both located in Sea Bright. The original Towne Diner, which he opened in 2020 during COVID-19, was his first business. Not a typical diner, preparation takes a little longer, partner Audrey Phillips noted. She joined Morales in April, changed the name of the diner to Atlantic Highlands Towne Diner, and manages the front end of the establishment. This enables Morales to create magic and shine in the kitchen. Phillips is a hands-on owner and cheerfully waits tables when needed, greeting customers with a million-watt smile and treating them like family. The community has taken notice, and business has increased. Take-out orders and online ordering are also available.

Authentic homemade Mexican favorites like burritos, enchiladas, fajitas, quesadillas, empanadas, and tacos are popular favorites. Everything is made-to-order with the freshest ingredients. However, the Atlantic Highlands Towne Diner is NOT a Mexican restaurant. Mexican cuisine is only one choice on a vast menu including Italian specialties like eggplant, lasagna, an amazing sausage with fresh garlic and broccoli rabe, and classic pasta dishes. Additionally, a selection of seafood including Seafood Fra Diavolo with Hilario’s homemade marinara, chicken, strip steaks, prime rib, and appetizers large enough to share between 2 to 3 people, give a broad appeal to customers of all ages. “Jalapenos are optional, but always available,” jokes Morales, who also makes his own guacamole for those who do like an ethnic flare to their selections.

Phillips, who also owns the popular ice cream shop The Scoop By The Bay in Union Beach, is thrilled that her entrepreneurial journey has brought her to Atlantic Highlands. Born in Jersey City and raised in Edmond, Oklahoma, Phillips has big plans for the little diner/restaurant that has become a true community gathering place. “This is what I like best. On any given day, people come in to share news, talk about life in a small town, and exchange views on politics or other issues. Sometimes – and this really says something about the place – people come in after receiving bad news, just to sit down and relax over a cup of coffee or tea. That means a lot to me,” Phillips added.

The community aspect is bound to grow as Phillips plans to offer live entertainment on Friday nights, exhibits with local photographers and artists, costumed character nights, and a private room in the back for groups and small events. She also wants to offer daily specials that highlight a different ethnic cuisine each day like hosting a Polish Day, German Day, Greek Day, Italian Day, etc. “The most popular will be added to the regular menu,” Phillips noted.

The Atlantic Highlands Towne Diner is located at 77 First Avenue, Atlantic Highlands, N.J. 07716. The telephone number is (732) 291-2418. Hours of operation are Mondays 7AM-3PM, Tuesdays Closed, Wednesdays-Saturdays 7AM to 8PM and Sundays 8AM to 8PM. The website address is https://www.townedineratlantichighlands.com

###