Tom's Rivers Ultimate Diner, a.k.a. "Shut Up and Eat," where pancakes and bacon do the talking – and trust me, they speak fluent deliciousness.
You also are a lucky duck 🦆 if you go on the weekends because servers dress down in their Jammie’s and the atmosphere is lightheaded and fun always . The pancakes are fluffier than a cloud in a comforter factory, and the bacon is Crispier than a freshly laundered shirt – it's like breakfast's rebel with a cause.
Pair that heavenly combo with a coffee so strong it could wake up the dead (or at least your morning grumpiness) I always get a water , an apple juice and a coffee to boot - it gets a bit crowded and the service can be slow but that’s really a minimal problem.
I am LuisaThexplorer and I approve of this MESSAGE!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 4
Atmosphere: 4
Recommended dishes
The Elvis
I feel like the phrase 'hidden gem' gets used too often but when it comes to Shut Up and Eat, it's fitting. Quirky, comfortable and friendly also come to mind. The food is amazing in quantity, quality and price. Our group of 3 walked out with full bellies for under $50 before tip.
The menu is daunting. Look over it before arriving so you at least have an idea of what you want.
The staff is friendly in the most north Jersey kind of way.
I honestly wish I lived closer but the hour plus drive is worth it.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Other
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Friends and myself go to lunch at least once a month, trying different places each time. Shut Up and Eat is unusual, compared to many breakfast/lunch places
It's one of those places who's theme is to be eclectic thru-out. it's a Hodge Podge of mismatched chairs, silverware, plates, thrift shop and junk items and license plates and stickers everywhere.
it's a medium sized rectangle space with roomy tables and a menu that has well over 100 items on it. The breakfast side and lunch side are poorly marked and easily you'll be looking at the wrong side. Each side should clearly marked at the top in large font. NOTE: it is small print but legible, but like the decor, it is cluttered.
Two of us had hot pastrami Rubins with fries, the third had meatloaf. I really enjoyed mine and the other Rubin eater said it was ok, but he really wanted breakfast (which is all day) and the meatloaf had no complaints.
Back to the clutter. Where there's not stuff either on a shelf or hanging from the wall, then it likely has a bumper sticker over it. Such is the men's room door. There are so many stickers that the small Men's Room sign was lost in the stickers.
The owner overheard our conversation and he joined it like he knew us. It was a good talk and really was fun. We were there an hour and a half, which is what we aim for when lunching.
The other theme is you get 13% off if you wear a full matching PJ outfit. Also he runs a charity for needy children at Christmas.
So for a first timer there, we each had a drink (12oz cans) and our meal came to $49 - no where is cheap any more $15-$20 each for breakfast sounds nuts, but that's everywhere today.
Meal type
Lunch
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 4
Wish I could give this place more then 5 stars. Stumbled upon this place coming home from Atlantic City. It was some of the best food I’ve had at a breakfast spot. The eggs Benedict was perfect I had the Canadian bacon and avocado and my friend had the classic Canadian bacon. The eggs Benedict were served perfectly poached. There was plenty of hollandaise sauce and it was flavorful and seasoned. Even the potatoes were delicious. Also had to try the stuffed french toast and waffle. Both tasted amazing. Everything came out hot and fresh. The guy who took our order, was very friendly and funny. Would 1000% would come again. Also Cash only as a heads up.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–30
Recommended dishes
Chocolate Waffles
This is an amazing place! I would highly recommend. There's a great selection of food that was all fantastic!
Tom was exceptional, and really made the whole experience that much better. We filled out card for the Veterans, which we LOVED his support of our military and country. THIS is the place you want to go!! Highly , highly recommend.
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Great local place with eclectic decor. Amazing menu selection. Just a fun place overall
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Brunch
Price per person
$20–30
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
High quality breakfast in an eclectic environment. Definitely a local place! We were in early on a Monday while visiting family in the area and the staff were greeting people by name. The breakfast bowl was unique and super tasty - don’t skip the toast as the rye bread was high quality. Love the mix and match retro coffee cups - I got a vintage “FTD pick me up bouquet “ coffee mug from the 80’s for my coffee and the grape jelly was in an EPCOT mug. Super fun with well prepared food and generous portions. Bring cash - We will be back!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
What a wonderful little spot!! First time there, the atmosphere is so cozy and welcoming. The staff all had upbeat attitudes and the food was delicious. Huge menu selection and the establishment gives back to the community. Take allll of our money!! Can’t wait to go back and try more stuff.
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
Went today for breakfast. Food wasn’t bad at all. The setting is cozy. Only bad thing was sitting at the bar listening to the staff argue. Some guy fighting with the other ladies. Uncomfortable. I do understand it was busy and it is stressful but doing that in front of customers is not nice. The guy also walked past us and said to us “you look 12 years old” which came out of nowhere. If he was joking then sure but didn’t seem it. Weird
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 4
Service: 3
Atmosphere: 5
So much fun and the food was amazing. Sarcasm and sense of humor required to fully enjoy. Thomas was great! We were in the area for a dance completion and stopped for breakfast. The food was amazing. The staff was awesome and love all the decor. They were doing a cancer fundraiser, color these wooden ribbons and they were going to donate them to kids with cancer. What a great cause! Don't miss this place. It's small and wait times can be long but well worth it!
Service
Dine in
Meal type
Breakfast
Price per person
$10–20
Food: 5
Service: 5
Atmosphere: 5
