Running and Laughing through the Golden State
Running and Laughing through the Golden State
On my journey across the country, I decided to stop at Lola’s Diner in Park Ridge, IL. I knew I wanted to stop at a diner in Illinois to check that off. Sadly, many Chicago diners were either closed on Tuesdays or closed due to COVID. I stumbled upon Lola’s Diner just outside of Chicago and near the airport.
Recently I was at the Andover Diner in Andover, NJ. It’s close to one of my favorite airports: Aeroflex-Andover Airport. Anyway, since I was in the area, I decided to stop at the Andover Diner. Which, for now, seems to be my last New Jersey Diner for a while.
Like all of New Jersey restaurants, the Andover Diner is only open for outdoor seating and takeout. We chose to do takeout.
Recently, I was up in Wantage, NJ way up in North Jersey. I’ve heard the Double S Diner is good, so I decided to check it out. The Double S Diner is known as a “farm to table” diner. There aren’t many farm to table diners. A couple of other ones I’ve been to include Vincentown as well as Silver Diner.
While outdoor diner is open in New Jersey, I’m not ready to do a lot of it just yet. So we ordered takeout from the Double S Diner. I appreciate I can still support local businesses.
Double S Diner Atmosphere: A
The Double S Diner sticks out in Sussex, NJ. There isn’t a lot but farmlands, and it’s hard to miss. The outdoor seating looks evening spaced, and everyone was wearing masks. I was able to get my takeout quickly.
Double S Diner Coffee: X
With takeout, I haven’t been getting coffee. I do miss diner coffee and maybe one of these days I’ll get some.
Double S Diner Food: A
The Double S Diner menu has everything you want in a diner and more. There are healthy options like salads, all-day breakfasts, “farm to table burgers,” home fries, specials, and everything. I wasn’t sure what I wanted, but the Jack Daniels Burger caught my eye. The Jack Daniels Burger came with pepper jack cheese, fried onions, and BBQ sauce.
While the burger itself doesn’t look like the most appealing ever, let me tell you it was delicious. It was cooked perfectly, and there was plenty of seasoning. I was pleased with my selection.
Double S Diner Service: A
The hostess at the Double S Diner was friendly and made me feel safe and welcomed in the Double S Diner. It’s a diner I would feel comfortable dining outside if we end up back out there.
Double S Diner Price:
For the Jack Daniels Burger, it was $13.95.
Overall Thoughts/Would I Come to the Double S Diner?
I liked the Double S Diner, and it was one of my favorite diners in Sussex County. If you are hiking up north or find yourself in Wantage, I highly recommend going.
Questions for you:
What is your favorite type of burger?
Have you been eating outdoors?
Recently I ordered takeout from the Sparta Classic Diner in Sparta, New Jersey. The same people own the Sparta Classic Diner as the Orangetown Classic Diner in Orangetown, NY (seriously a must go), Northvale Classic Diner and the Tenafly Classic Diner. All of these “classic diners” have been good and I had high hopes for the Sparta Classic Diner.
It’s been two months since I went to my last New Jersey diner. Truthfully, I’ve worried how many can withstand the pandemic, as the majority are small businesses. Anyway, recently I had the opportunity to order takeout from the Villas Diner and Pizzeria. I didn’t know the Villas Diner and Pizzeria existed until a random search in the area yielded it.
Right now, nowhere in New Jersey is allowing you to eat in. The Villas Diner and Pizzeria had picnic tables outside you could sit at. Plus, they offered curbside takeout and delivery. When picking up the curbside, everything was handled safely. The employees at the Villas Diner and Pizzeria were wearing masks, the inside appeared clean, and the picnic tables were also clean. It was a beautiful, but slightly windy day. Luckily none of the food blew away.
One of the few times I didn’t order coffee at a diner. I wasn’t sure they had curbside coffee to go (I didn’t ask).
How many diners are also pizzerias? Not many. In fact, I cannot recall another New Jersey diner that doubles as a pizzeria. So naturally, even though the Villas Diner menu has everything from salads, breakfast, lunch, and dinner, pizza was a must. I decided to order the “white pizza,” which had oil and garlic mozzarella cheese.
Since New Jersey is known as the pizza state, I wasn’t sure what to expect with a diner pizza. I will say, the Villas Diner and Pizzeria pizza was one of the best pizzas I’ve had in the state. It was honestly surprising. It was perfectly cooked with plenty of dough in the crust.
The woman who took my order over the phone was friendly and the food was ready when I arrived. In all, it was great service and I have no complaints.
For the Villas Diner and Pizzeria pizza and water, the cost was $15. Not bad for an entire pizza.
I was happy with the Villas Diner and Pizzeria. While I’m not able to go to many new diners right now, I’m happy I’m able to support a local diner. If you’re in the area of Cape May and Villas, I highly suggest ordering from the Villas Diner and Pizzeria. (Even if you’re in Cape May for a race!)
Atmosphere: A
Coffee: —
Food: A
Price: $10-20
Service: A
Questions for you:
Where is your favorite pizza from?
Have you been able to support a local business?